Spoonleaf Purple Everlasting
Gamochaeta purpurea
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Galápagos, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, United States, Uruguay
iNaturalist: © mjpapay (iNaturalist #214452605)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Gamochaeta
- Species:
- Gamochaeta purpurea
- USDA Symbol:
- GAPU3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Omnivorous Leafroller (Platynota rostrana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Colonizes disturbed and burned areas; persists in fire-maintained habitats.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in disturbed areas and open fields
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.