Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Chaenactis

Species:

Chaenactis thompsonii

USDA Symbol:

CHTH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Occurs in fire-prone serpentine habitats; likely resprouts or recolonizes after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to mountainous regions, prefers open, exposed sites

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 4-8 weeks; sow in fall or early spring.