Native Habitat:
Dry prairies, open grasslands, oak savannas, and sunny slopes.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 12–36 inches tall, forming clumps of long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Produces large, bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms on upright stems above the foliage.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Adapted to spring moisture and summer drought.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Festuca idahoensis, Sidalcea campestris, Lomatium dissectum, Camassia quamash.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds bold, sunflower-like blooms, upright structure, and drought tolerance to urban meadows, pollinator gardens, and prairie-inspired landscapes. Works well in low-maintenance plantings, restoration-style designs, and dry borders where it provides strong early–mid summer color and structural foliage.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Attracts native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other sun-loving pollinators. Seeds and foliage offer resources for insects and small wildlife; dense clumps provide shelter for ground-dwelling invertebrates.
 
Historical Use:
Used traditionally by Indigenous peoples for medicinal and practical purposes. Valued ornamentally for its dramatic flowers, resilience, and strong presence in dry native garden settings.