Pine Hill Flannelbush

Fremontodendron californicum subsp. decumbens

Native to:
United States

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Fremontodendron
Species:
Fremontodendron californicum subsp. decumbens
USDA Symbol:
FRDE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, orange
Ground Cover:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Acontia major, Hemileuca chinatiensis, Saturnia albofasciata

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown after fire; adapted to chaparral fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and ridges

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Notes:
Seeds have hard coats; scarification or hot water treatment improves germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI