Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Ionactis

Species:

Ionactis linariifolius

USDA Symbol:

IOLI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

lavender, violet, blue

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, small pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from basal crown following fire. Found in fire-maintained habitats such as pine barrens and dry prairies.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers open, sunny locations; common in rocky or sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification and may germinate erratically. Surface sow as seeds require light for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI