False Gaura

Stenosiphon linifolius

Native to:
United States
False Gaura

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Onagraceae
Genus:
Stenosiphon
Species:
Stenosiphon linifolius
USDA Symbol:
STLI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Juanita sphinx moth (Proserpinus juanita)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, moths
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; associated with fire-maintained prairies and limestone glades.

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:
Commonly found in open, rocky areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold stratification and light exposure.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI