Prickly Spiderflower
Cleome aculeata
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © benavidesmz (iNaturalist #245472279)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cleomaceae
- Genus:
- Cleome
- Species:
- Cleome aculeata
- USDA Symbol:
- CLAC4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with warm temperatures around 70-75°F. Light may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI