Water efficient, native annual broadleaf with lavender-blue flowers in dense curling clusters, blooming March to June. Vigorous root system and top growth, occasionally reaching 4 ft. tall. Adapted to a wide range of soil pH and textures, including clays. Excellent cold tolerance, continuing growth into fall. Use as a cover crop and green manure for soil building and weed suppression in either cash crop rotations or vineyards and orchards. Significant early-season pollen and nectar source for Blue orchard bees, an important native pollinator for California’s almond orchards. Attracts beneficial insects which eat aphids and other agricultural pests. Exceptionally valuable honeybee plant. Long-day plant requiring a minimum of 13 daylight hours to initiate flowering. Also use in wildflower and conservation plantings.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Hydrophyllaceae

Duration: Annual

Growth Habit: Forb/herb

Native Status: Native

Growth Form:  Single crown

Mature Height: 12-36 in.

Bloom Color: Purple-blue

Bloom Period: July-September

Annual Precipitation: 6-49 in.

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation: 

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance: No

Nitrogen fixation:

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: Yes

Salinity Tolerance: Low

CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

pH Range: 6.4-8.6

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 245,000

Seeding Rate: 1-2 PLS lbs/acre

Season:

Days to Germination: