Serpentine Jewelflower

Streptanthus hesperidis

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Streptanthus
Species:
Streptanthus hesperidis
USDA Symbol:
STHE6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
80 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
purple, white, green

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Spring white (Pontia sisymbrii)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to serpentine soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds may benefit from cold stratification. Germinates best in cool temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI