Harlequin Calicoflower

Downingia insignis

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Campanulaceae
Genus:
Downingia
Species:
Downingia insignis
USDA Symbol:
DOIN

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple, white, yellow

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, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Typically found in vernal pools and wet meadows

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI