Longbranch Frostweed

Crocanthemum canadense

Native to:
Canada, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cistaceae
Genus:
Crocanthemum
Species:
Crocanthemum canadense
USDA Symbol:
HECA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Mompha bottimeri, Mompha capella

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown after fire. Often associated with fire-maintained sandy barrens and openings.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI