Esteve's Pincushion

Chaenactis stevioides

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Chaenactis
Species:
Chaenactis stevioides

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun
Bloom Colors:
White
Ground Cover:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), common eupithecia (Eupithecia miserulata), Dasychira grisefacta, Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Isoparce cupressi, Northern Pine Tussock Moth (Dasychira plagiata), Pine Hypagyrtis Moth (Hypagyrtis piniata), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in arid desert regions.