Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Boraginaceae

Genus:

Emmenanthe

Species:

Emmenanthe penduliflora

USDA Symbol:

EMPE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

yellow, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Classic fire-follower (pyrophyte) that germinates prolifically after chaparral or brush fires. Seeds require smoke compounds or heat to break dormancy.

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:

Commonly found in post-fire chaparral environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Fire-following annual; germination strongly enhanced by smoke or charred wood exposure. Seeds may remain dormant in soil for decades awaiting fire cues.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI