Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Polemoniaceae

Genus:

Eriastrum

Species:

Eriastrum densifolium

USDA Symbol:

ERDE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

blue, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

May resprout or germinate from seed after fire in its native chaparral habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

thrives in arid, open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to improve germination.