Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cistaceae

Genus:

Lechea

Species:

Lechea tenuifolia

USDA Symbol:

LETE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

green, red

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire. Common in fire-maintained sandhill and dry prairie communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to sandy, open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds are tiny and require light for germination. Surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI