Native Habitat:
Open meadows, grasslands, and forest edges.
 
Bloom Time:
June – September
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 2–4 feet tall, with erect, branching stems and lance-shaped leaves. Produces dark brown to black central cones surrounded by drooping, greenish-yellow petals.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils. Tolerates seasonal dryness once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Achillea millefolium, Camassia quamash, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca idahoensis.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds bold vertical structure, late-season color, and pollinator support to urban meadows, naturalized landscapes, and habitat-focused gardens. Works well in layered plantings, low-maintenance borders, and native garden designs.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals. Dense stems offer shelter for insects and ground-dwelling wildlife.
 
Historical Use:
Used ornamentally for its dramatic flowers; valued for pollinator support, visual impact, and integration into naturalized and habitat-focused garden plantings.