Sunbright
Phemeranthus parviflorus
Also known as: New Mexico Fameflower
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
NPS Staff
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Montiaceae
- Genus:
- Phemeranthus
- Species:
- Phemeranthus parviflorus
- USDA Symbol:
- PHPA29
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Occurs in fire-maintained glades and rocky outcrops; resprouts from tuberous roots after disturbance.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers rocky or sandy habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow and do not cover.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification.
Establishment: T. parviflorum is found from Minnesota and North Dakota south through the Great plains to Texas; east to Arkansas and west to Arizona. It grows in sandy, acidic soils.
Source: npn.rngr.net