Child's Blue Eyed Mary

Collinsia childii

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Genus:
Collinsia
Species:
Collinsia childii
USDA Symbol:
COCH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
white, purple

Wildlife Benefits

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

⚠️Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy loam soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open, rocky areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds may benefit from light for germination. Cool temperatures preferred.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI