Lilac Tasselflower
Emilia sonchifolia
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Congo, DR Congo, Gabon, Guam, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Madagascar, Malaya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Navassa Island, Nepal, Nigeria, Palau, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Réunion, Senegal, Seychelles, South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Yemen
iNaturalist: © philiptdotcom (iNaturalist #8304213)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Emilia
- Species:
- Emilia sonchifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- EMSO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers disturbed areas like roadsides and fields
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil without pretreatment.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.