Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lythraceae

Genus:

Lythrum

Species:

Lythrum californicum

USDA Symbol:

LYCA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

purple, magenta

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire; common in wetland margins that experience periodic burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, sandy to loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

often found in wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI