Spiny Hopsage
Grayia spinosa
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Grayia
- Species:
- Grayia spinosa
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- Red
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Perizoma custodiata
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in arid desert regions; tolerates saline soils.
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification. Seeds are directly sown into open flats using a growing medium of 2 parts sand, 1 part mulch and 2 parts perlite.
Establishment: Grayia spinosa is found in the Mojave and Colorado deserts from southern California to Colorado and eastern Wyoming. Seeds are hand collected in June.
Source: npn.rngr.net