Creeping Rye Grass – Leymus triticoides (formerly Elymus triticoides) (LIE (LAY)-mus trih-tih-coe-EE-deez)

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Native to: Western N. America, including CA (except desert). Found in many plant communities, often

in moist, saline areas including sand dunes, saline meadows, river flats.

Growth characteristics: cool season, sod-forming grass mature height: 1-3 ft. (un-mowed) mature width:

variable. Forms large clonal clumps (sod) by spreading rhizomes. Stems upright, hollow. Green in

summer. Looks like cross between Bermuda Grass and Saltgrass.

Blooms/fruits: blooms in spring; small inconspicuous green flowers on taller stems.

Uses in the garden: Best native grass for seasonally wet swales, streambeds, washes. Makes a fine

mowed lawn. OK under trees – not deep shade. Excellent for bank stabilization and weed suppression.

Easy, tough & adaptable. Good-looking. Cultivars ‘Rio’ and ‘Yolo’ are suited for S. CA. ‘Gray Dawn’

has gray foliage, fast growth.

Sensible substitute for: non-native rye grasses (Arizona & Canada Ryes).

Attracts: insects, birds (cover & seeds), Skipper butterflies

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to partial shade; fine under oaks, cottonwoods, sycamores

Soil Any texture if well-drained; tolerates alkaline soils

Water Likes some summer water but tolerates drought; tolerates seasonal flooding

Fertilizer Low/none needed

Other

Management: Can mow every 3-4 weeks in growing season (mow high). Will look like Bermuda Grass

if mowed. Remember that it can be invasive, particularly with summer watering. Easiest if started

from pugs, if available. See grower’s advice for seeding rates.

Propagation: from seed: low vigor – seed heavily from divisions: very easy in spring. Larger

divisions can be replanted in ground; grow smaller divisions up to size in pots.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2-5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 25, 28 12/6/10 © Project SOUND

Seashore Bentgrass/Thin Grass – Agrostis pallens (ag-ROSS-tiss PAL-lenz)

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Native to: Much of CA; common in coastal strand, foothill woodland, valley grassland, chaparral, Open

meadows and conifer forests.

Growth characteristics: perennial grass mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft. Cool-season rhizomatous (sod-forming) grass with fine, delicate-looking blades. Moderate growth

rate. Plants are summer dormant with no summer water. Can be used as a lawn substitute.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer (June-Aug). Flower/seed heads as much as 2 ft taller than

leaves, showy. Dramatic when bunched – a pale pink-gold that seems to float over the leaves.

Uses in the garden: Useful as a mowed native lawn in sun or part shade. Also attractive as an

ornamental grass with other native grasses and wildflowers. Tends to prefer moist areas but will

simply go dormant in dry conditions. Fine texture – nice looking grass with delicate flowers.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native lawn and ornamental grasses.

Attracts: Birds eat seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade; better flowering with more sun

Soil Any well-drained; especially good in sandy or rocky soils

Water Wide range; Zone 1-2 for summer dormant, Zone 2-3 to keep it green

Fertilizer None; does best in nutrient-poor soils

Other

Management: Low maintenance once established; Can mow/clip several times during growing

season, 4-6” high. If grown as an ornamental grass can mow/clip in late fall to promote growth.

Propagation: from seed: yes; in pots or prepared beds fall to spring by root cuttings/divisions: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 4, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20 11/24/10

© Project SOUND

* Red Fescue – Festuca rubra (fes-TOO-cuh ROO-bruh )

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Native to: Much of Northern Hemisphere, where rain is sufficient. In California, north coast and

foothills; in grasslands and forests below 8000 ft.

Growth characteristics: spreading perennial grass mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 2-6 ft. Cool-season, sod-forming perennial grass that spreads via under-ground rhizomes and stolons. Some

natural variants spread more than others. Nice medium green color; medium-fine texture. Can be

mowed (will spread to form a conventional lawn) or left un-mowed. Un-mowed, it forms a mounded,

lawn-like grass groundcover.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring-summer; usually April-May in our area. Flowers are typical for

Fescue grasses: simple, wind-pollinated flowers on taller stems. Not the showiest of native grasses

in terms of flowers – but pretty in a natural garden.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a lawn grass – mowed or not. More drought tolerant than

conventional lawn grasses in our area. Green year-round with a little summer water. Does well on

slopes; often used for erosion control. Fine under trees. Can be combined with sedges and wildflowers for a natural meadow. Several cultivars are widely available including Festuca rubra

‘Molate’ which is garden tolerant and makes a nice ‘lumpy lawn’ and ‘Jughandle’ and ‘Patrick’s Point’

which are smaller and more silver-green in color.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native grass lawns and groundcovers.

Attracts: Good bird and insect habitat grass: provides cover, nesting materials and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sum (with summer water); part-shade (morning sun) best in hot gardens

Soil Most local soils

Water Occasional to regular summer water; Water Zones 2 to 3

Fertilizer Occasional light fertilizer if mowed

Other

Management: Quite easy to grow from seed. If mowed, mow to 2-3 inches as needed during

spring/summer. May need to be clipped, cut with a string trimmer or mowed occasionally to

rejuvenate.

Propagation: from seed: sow seed in winter or grow your own plugs from seed.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16 1/2/13

* California native, but not native to western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

* Idaho Fescue – Festuca idahoensis (fes-TOO-kuh eye-duh-hoe-EN-sis)

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Native to: Common western grass; widely distributed in northwestern Northern America. In CA,

foothills of the northern Sierras, central and northern Coastal Ranges; dry, open or shady places often

opening in woodlands.

Growth characteristics: perennial bunchgrass mature height: 1 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.

Cool-season perennial bunchgrass with fine, blue-green foliage. Evergreen with some summer water.

May behave more like a slow-growing sod-former in optimal conditions. Very attractive.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring/early summer. Flowers on tall stems above the foliage. Flowers

small, but seed heads very showy, particularly when massed.

Uses in the garden: Usually used as an ornamental grass grown primarily for its foliage. Great ground

cover for erosion control, including on slopes. Can be used as a native meadow and even as a mowed

lawn. Tolerates some foot traffic. Good ground cover under trees, in orchards. Cultivars: ‘Tomales

Bay’ (small; blue); ‘Stony Creek’ (Blue); ‘Siskiyou Blue’ (dense foliage; blue); ‘Warren Peak’ (taller;

silver-green leaves; light flower stems).

Sensible substitute for: Non-native fescues and other invasive ornamental grasses.

Attracts: Bird habitat: provides nesting materials and seeds. Larval food for Skipper butterflies.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Best in part-shade (dappled shade ideal); full sun only in cool gardens.

Soil Any well-drained soil, but does particularly well in sandy soils; any local pH.

Water Very adaptable once established. Zone 1-2 (will turn golden) to Zone 2-3 (to keep

it green in summer); quite drought tolerant.

Fertilizer Quite tolerant; needs none/rare light fertilizer

Other

Management: Easy to manage once established. Plant from seed or pugs (probably better). Plant

densely (8-10 in. apart) for good cover. Can mow several times during growing season to 4 inches

tall. If left un-mowed, rake lightly with rake in fall to remove dead leaves as needed.

Propagation: from seed: may need cold treatment by divisions: easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16, 21 1/31/11

* California native, but not native to western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

California Hedgenettle/Wood Mint – Stachys bullata (STAY-kis bull-AY-ta)

Family: Laminaceae (Mint Family)

Native to: Coastal CA from San Francisco to Orange Co.; dryish slopes (near coast) and partially-

shaded canyons in chaparral and coastal sage scrub, coast live oak riparian forest & woodland,

sycamore riparian woodland.

Growth characteristics: spreading perennial mature height: 1-4 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft. Dark

green, fuzzy leaves are triangular to oval, toothed. Stem square (typical of Mints) and hairy. Plants

strongly scented. Spreads by rhizomes.

Blooms/fruits: Flowers are small, pink to lavender-red, with white markings on the lower lips (look

like a mint flower; in whorls around stem). Blooms Mar-May or later.

Uses in the garden: Most shady areas of garden. Cultivated beds or for a fragrance garden (pleasant

lemon scent when rubbed). Excellent cut flowers. Use in woodland or perennial gardens. Spreads, so

is useful groundcover for north- and east-facing slopes, under trees and near shaded rock walls. Sensible substitute for: Non-native mints, low herbaceous groundcovers.

Attracts: Excellent hummingbird, bee habitat; other birds eat seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement Sun Part-shade; full sun only on immediate coast

Soil Any well-drained soil; any local pH

Water does better with moderate water, and tolerates seasonal flooding Fertilizer Organic mulches useful

Other

Management: Easy to grow. Does spread, but not aggressively. Remove unwanted stems.

Propagation: from seed: yes in fall/winter by cuttings: easy (treat like other mints)

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7, 8, 11,12, 14, 20 12/15/10 © Project SOUND

Hummingbird Sage – Salvia spathacea (SAL-vee-uh spath-ay-SEE-uh)

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Native to: Central Washington through Southern California. Grows in open or shady places in coastal

hills/valleys, coastal oak woodland, coastal scrub and chaparral.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft mature width: patch: 1-5+ ft.

Short colonial groundcover that spreads by underground stems (rhizomes). Leaves are large, arrow-

shaped and bright to dark green (darken with age). Leaves are wrinkled and fuzzy. Foliage very

fragrant – somewhat minty but a scent unique to this species.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms from early Spring to Fall. Flower stalks rise above leaves from early spring to

fall. Flower heads are large, conspicuous and brightly colored. Flowers are brilliant magenta.

Uses in the garden: Great in aroma and butterfly gardens. As its name implies, it routinely attracts

hummingbirds. Stalks make nice cut flowers. Works well as a ground cover on hillsides, coastal bluffs

and under trees. Can be grown in containers and planters. Plants are drought tolerant so good choice

for water-wise gardens. Delicious tot or iced tea can be made from the leaves.

Sensible substitute for: non-native ornamental mints.

Attracts: hummingbirds (pollinators); butterflies; seed-eating birds; ground feeding birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement Sun Full sun (along coast), partial shade to shade.

Soil Likes well drained soils, but will tolerate clay

Water Once or twice a month; let dry out between waterings

Fertilizer Prefers somewhat rich organic soil; amend with mulch, compost

Other Tolerates salt-spray

Management: prune back almost to the ground in fall to remove old flower stalks; can give a light

pruning in late summer if looking ragged.

Propagation: from seed: bag seed heads to catch seeds, shake dry seeds into paper bag. Keep

dry/cool. Plant fall or spring in pot or garden soil. By rhizome divisions: easy. By semi-softwood

cuttings: root in water (no hormones needed) in glass jar. Plant in pots when roots emerge.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 9, 11-14, 19, 20, 24, 25 12/20/10

© Project SOUND

* Creeping Sage – Salvia sonomensis (SAL-vee-uh so-no-MEN-sus)

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Native to: Foothills and mountains of central & N. CA and in San Diego Co.; dry, rocky slopes or

understory of chaparral, oak woodland, yellow-pine forest below 6500 ft.

Growth characteristics: creeping woody shrub mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 4-10+ ft.

Attractive, low-growing (sometimes almost mat-like) sage. Leaves are grayish-green, elliptical leaves,

woolly underneath and puckered above. Foliage looks/smells like a Mediterranean herb.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms mid-spring into fall. Flowers are usually blue-violet, small and typical for

Salvias. Flowers are clustered in ball-like whorls on leafless stems above the foliage. Very showy.

Uses in the garden: Makes a wonderful groundcover in a Mediterranean style garden. Good choice for a slope or growing up to a pathway, where its fragrance will be appreciated. Lovely with manzanita,

monkey flowers and monardella in a water-wise garden. Good groundcover under larger shrubs;

dramatic cascading over a wall. Cultivar 'John Farmar-Bowers' has white flowers. ‘Mrs Beard’ and

‘Dara’s Choice’ sages are hybrids between Salvia sonomensis & Salvia mellifera and may be more hardy

in S. CA gardens.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody groundcovers, herbs.

Attracts: Excellent hummingbird plant. Other birds will eat the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Best in light to part-shade in our area.

Soil Needs good drainage; not for alkali soils (pH > 8.0).

Water Occasional deep water once established (Zone 1-2 best).

Fertilizer

Other

Management: Prune back to 6-10 inches (4/6 nodes) above hardwood after flowering to keep it tidy

and youthful looking.

Propagation: from seed: cold-moist 3 mo. by cuttings:semi-softwood or hardwood in spring or fall

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 11, 13, 20 10/29/10 * CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND

* Pacific Aster – Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense (sim-fee-oh-TREE-cum chee-LENS)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Coastal N. America from Santa Barbara Co. to British Columbia; Grasslands, salt marshes,

coastal dunes/bluffs, coastal grasslands/scrub, open disturbed habitats in evergreen and Pacific coast

coniferous forest.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: spreading Herbaceous perennial with thin, delicate-looking (almost insignificant) foliage. Cultivars are more

robust (see below). Drought deciduous – dies back completely in dry summer months. Spreads

vigorously via rhizomes.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer (may be as long as July-Sept. with summer water). Flowers are

very attractive small ‘daisy-type’ heads. Ray flowers most often light purple, but may range from white

to pink, deeper purple; disk flowers are yellow. Very showy plant in bloom.

Uses in the garden: Usually used in mixed beds with other native grasses, shrubs and wildflowers.

Excellent choice for slopes, Cottage Garden or native prairie/grassland. A must for habitat gardens; would do well in large pots/planters. Several excellent cultivars available: 'Point St. George' – low-

growing with more robust foliage; ‘Purple Haze’ – darker purple flowers & more robust foliage.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Asters.

Attracts: Excellent all-round habitat plant. Native bees, butterflies and other insects love the nectar.

Seed-eating birds like towhees & sparrows eat the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to moderate shade.

Soil Just about any texture – sand to clay; any local pH.

Water Very adaptable. Can take regular water (Zone 3) but will spread aggressively. Best

in Zone 2-3 or 2 (occasional water); withhold water in late summer/fall.

Fertilizer None.

Other

Management: Plant where it can be contained – will spread. Cut back late fall if it doesn’t die back.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in summer/fall by cuttings/divisions: easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1- 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 24 2/13/11

* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND

California Goldenrod – Solidago californica (sol-i-DAY-go ka-li-FOR-ni-ka)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Much of west coast of N. America, including CA (mostly W. of Sierras); dry or moist areas,

either in the open or in shaded woods, from coastal sage scrub to yellow pine forest. Also cleared or

disturbed places.

Growth characteristics: creeping perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft. Robust herbaceous perennial that spreads by rhizomes. Dies back to ground in winter in colder areas.

Stems and leaves are dark green to gray-green colored and densely fuzzy. Quick growing. Forms

large colonies in moist environments – less so in summer dry conditions.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms summer/fall, usually July-Oct. along coast. Showy clusters of small, yellow

flowers on wand-like flowering stalks. Seeds wind-spread.

Uses in the garden: Truly a striking accent plant in the wild or in garden. Provides welcome fall color.

Does well in pots and planters, where it can be contained. Great for slopes, meadows.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native perennial yellow asters, chrysanthemums.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant for many species. Butterflies, bees and other insects collect nectar

from the flowers. Seed-eating birds and insects eat seeds. Plants also provide cover.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to light shade

Soil Any, including poorly-draining clays

Water Tolerates winter flooding. Very drought tolerant, but blooms better with occasional

summer water. Regular summer water encourages rapid growth.

Fertilizer None needed

Other

Management: Easy to grow. Spreads via rhizomes, but easily controlled by removing unwanted

stems during winter dormant period or planting in contained environment.

Propagation: from seed: challenging; use fresh seed; slow germination by divisions: easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 25 12/13/10 © Project SOUND

Western Yarrow – Achillea millefolium (ah-KILL-ee-uh mill-eh-FOH-lee-um)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Much of North America, all of CA. Found in meadows & pastures, coastal strand &

grasslands, stream banks, sand dunes, alkali sinks. Tends to grow on poor soils.

Growth characteristics: Herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1 ft.

Upright perennial with bright green feathery (fern-like) leaves. Spreads rapidly from spreading roots.

Blooms/fruits: Small flowers in flat heads, spring-summer. Flowers usually white – may be light pink-

purple.

Uses in the garden: In beds, cottage gardens, meadows, prairies – mixes well with other flowers,

grasses. For cut flowers. Makes surprisingly tough, enduring ground cover or lawn substitute & can be

mowed. Young leaves edible in salads. Used medicinally & as dye plant. Flowers, foliage scented.

Sensible substitute for: non-native ground covers and Yarrows

Attracts: many beneficial insects, including butterflies, bees. Repels other insects.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Prefers full sun, esp. near coast; tolerates partial shade

Soil Any well-drained, including clays; tolerates alkali

Water Established plants very drought tolerant – and remain green longer than grasses;

tolerates both moist and dry conditions

Fertilizer None needed; tolerates low potassium

Other

Management: invasive potential, particularly with summer water. Can mow as needed with rotary

mower on high setting.

Propagation: from seed: easy & quick, fall by divisions: easy, spring or fall, either to ground or pots.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, most others (try locally collected seed) 11/23/10 © Project SOUND

Catalina Perfume/Evergreen Currant – Ribes viburnifolium (RIE-bees vi-bur-ni-FO-lee-um)

Family: Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family)

Native to: Peninsular Ranges (sw San Diego Co.) & Santa Catalina Island; in canyons and arroyos,

usually in partial shade near the coast.

Growth characteristics: spreading evergreen shrub mature height:1-3 ft. mature width: to 12 ft.

Evergreen shrub/sub-shrub with arching slender branches that root where they touch ground. Leaves

are dark green, rounded and waxy with a spicy fragrance after a rain. Very attractive.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms rarely in shade. Clusters of small, star-like maroon flowers from Feb-Apr.

Flowers are scented. Fruits are small orange berries (rare).

Uses in the garden: A favorite groundcover plant for dry shade. Does great under native oaks,

sycamore & cottonwood. Nice addition to a fragrance garden. Good for erosion control on hillsides &

slopes. Nice cascading over walls, in planters. Works well as fire-retardant groundcover. Fruits are edible. Cultivar: 'Spooner's Mesa' - San Diego Evergreen Currant.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native evergreen groundcover plants.

Attracts: Nectar source for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Light to medium shade is best in all but the coolest gardens.

Soil Any well-drained soil; not for highly alkali soils.

Water Zones 1-2 to 2 or 2-3; fine with a wide range of watering conditions.

Fertilizer None needed; likes nutrient-poor soils

Other Not salt-tolerant

Management: Tip-prune to encourage fullness. Old plants can be pruned with string-trimmer to

rejuvenate. Usually very pest free except for Spider Mites. Plants can harbor a stage of 'white pine

blister rust', so they should not be grown near pine trees.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall by cuttings or layering: hard or semi-soft wood

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, 24, 25 12/13/10

© Project SOUND

Western Blue-eyed Grass – Sisyrinchium bellum (sis-er-RINK-ee-um BELL-um)

Family: Iridaceae (Iris Family)

Native to: Coastal CA from San Luis Obispo to Baja; Open, generally moist, grassy areas, woodlands.

Growth characteristics: clumping perennial mature height: 4-16 in. mature width: 4-16 in.

Clumping perennial with narrow linear leaves (grasslike, hence the common name). Summer dormant

in nature. Spreads by creeping rhizomes, so the colony enlarges each year.

Blooms/fruits: Flowers showy, purple and yellow, lily-like on stems above foliage. The contrasting

yellow center leads the bee into the flower. Blooms Feb to summer (depends on local conditions) with

long blooming period.

Uses in the garden: Many uses in garden. Does well in many situations including rock garden,

meadows, borders. Nice in front of mixed borders, in containers and for filling in around plantings of

shrubs and trees. Plant with other wildflowers such as California Poppy, Blue Flax and Clarkia.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native bulbs, dwarf irises, small lilies.

Attracts: Excellent bee habitat. Provides seeds for seed-eating birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement Sun Part-shade usually best; full sun OK along coast

Soil Any well-drained texture; any local pH

Water Best if given summer dormancy. This allows for reseeding, but leaves turn brown.

Can irrigate lightly (twice a month in summer) to keep leaves green.

Fertilizer Low needs; may benefit from organic mulches

Other

Management: Easy. In gardens with summer water will behave like an annual. Reseeds and

spreads by rhizomes in nature and garden, but not invasive if watered sparingly.

Propagation: from seed: yes in spring by divisions: yes, dormant plants are easy to divide

(like Iris) or by re-potting plantlets that grow along the stems.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 8-11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 26 12/17/10 © Project SOUND

Blue Dicks/Wild Hyacynth – Dichelostemma capitatum (dick (dike)-el-AH-stem-uh cap-ih-TAY-tum)

Family: Liliaceae (Liily Family); perhaps better in Themidaceae (new family)

Native to: most of CA; coastal strand, vernal pools, coastal salt marsh edges, openings in grasslands,

woodlands, dry ridges and hillsides. Common after disturbances (fire).

Growth characteristics: Perennial from corm mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft

Twisted, fleshy stem with 2 linear leaves in winter/spring. Dormant in summer. Produces corms and

cormlets in leaf axils. In nature, small and large mammals eat large corms and spread the cormlets

and seeds.

Blooms/fruits: Flowers purple/blue in clusters of 6-15 in spring (Mar-May).

Uses in the garden: cultivated beds; along walls; in rock gardens. Looks nice with other bulbs and

yellow-flowering plants. Good for west- and south-facing walls. Good in pots and in vernal pools/water

gardens or vernal meadows. Corms & flowers are edible.

Sensible substitute for: non-native spring-blooming blue bulbs and Dwarf Agapanthus.

Attracts: Butterflies, hummingbirds. Small mammals love the corms.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun (best) to partial shade

Soil Any well-drained soil

Water Winter only; must have dry summer period

Fertilizer None needed

Other Prefers well-drained soil; protect corms from animal predation

Management: Best if growing bed is disturbed periodically. Replant smaller cormlets.

Propagation: from seed: best planted in fall in well-drained soil. Can plant in garden or pots. Keep

potted plants in partial shade during hot months. From corms: in fall, in place (larger) or in pots.

Grow small corms/cormlets 1-2 years before planting out. Protect from animal predation. Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18 11/26/10

© Project SOUND