Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Lessingia

Species:

Lessingia nana

USDA Symbol:

LENA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

purple, lavender, yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to fire-prone California chaparral and grassland habitats; resprouts or germinates from seed bank after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky, arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Surface sow; seeds require light for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI