Telegraphweed
Heterotheca grandiflora
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Sgerbic
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Heterotheca
- Species:
- Heterotheca grandiflora
- USDA Symbol:
- HEGR7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
paradoxical grass moth (Heliocheilus paradoxus), Tischeria heteroterae, Gabb's Yellow (Charidryas gabbii)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Anthophora urbana
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Pioneer species that colonizes disturbed and burned areas; resprouts from base after fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to dry, open areas; often found in disturbed sites
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds treated with dry heat at 120 C for 5 minutes resulted in decreased germination
Establishment: H. grandiflora is found within mattoral vegetation association of California. Avoid pre-treatment with dry heat as it decreases germination.
Source: npn.rngr.net