Ladies' Tobacco

Pseudognaphalium californicum

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Pseudognaphalium
Species:
Pseudognaphalium californicum
USDA Symbol:
PSCA13

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after fire; a common post-fire colonizer in California chaparral.

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:
Commonly found in coastal scrub and chaparral habitats.

Propagation & Germination

Pre-treatment: Seed germination is stimulated by the presence of charred wood or aqueous extracts of it, resulting in a 33% increase in germination as compared to control.

Establishment: P. californicum is found within mattoral vegetation association of California.

Source: npn.rngr.net