Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Apiaceae

Genus:

Eryngium

Species:

Eryngium jepsonii

USDA Symbol:

ERJE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Biennial | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from taproot after fire; adapted to California's fire-prone grassland and vernal pool margins.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Commonly found in grasslands and open areas.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; may have erratic germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI