Flatspine Stickseed
Lappula occidentalis
- Native to:
- Argentina, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States
Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Lappula
- Species:
- Lappula occidentalis
- USDA Symbol:
- LAOC3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, blue
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in spring without pretreatment. Annual species with natural seed dispersal via barbed nutlets.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Place 40 nutlets in a fine mesh bag and submerge the seed into a mason jar filled with distilled water. An aquarium bubbler should provide aeration.
Source: npn.rngr.net