Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lythraceae

Genus:

Cuphea

Species:

Cuphea viscosissima

USDA Symbol:

CUVI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

purple, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to open, disturbed areas with good sunlight

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

10–21 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Germinates best at warm temperatures around 70-75°F.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI