Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Campanulaceae

Genus:

Downingia

Species:

Downingia cuspidata

USDA Symbol:

DOCU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

blue, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, nutrient-rich, clayey soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers seasonal wetlands or vernal pools

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination. Sow on soil surface in consistently moist conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI