Pincushion Plant
Diapensia lapponica
- Native to:
- Canada, Finland, Great Britain, Greenland, Iceland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States
iNaturalist: © mtjones (iNaturalist #28653193)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Diapensiaceae
- Genus:
- Diapensia
- Species:
- Diapensia lapponica
- USDA Symbol:
- DILA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 10 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Franklin's blue (Agriades franklinii)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), 🛑Rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in cold, alpine environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; sow on surface of moist, acidic medium.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C 6 wks then 4C 6 wks then slowly raise to 10C 6 wks. Repeat if no germination.