1. Common Eucrypta – Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. chrysanthemifolia
(yoo-KRYP-ta kris-an-the-mi-FO-lee-a)
Family: Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
Foothills from coastal central & southern CA to AZ and Baja; moist, shaded slopes,
canyon bottoms, burned & disturbed areas in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands to 3000’.
Native to:
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Annual wildflower with fern-like, lemon-scented leaves. Stems erect or sprawling.
Foliage a
medium green, glandular & sticky.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring (Mar-May). Flowers are white to pale pink, small and bell-shaped.
Pretty & old-fashioned looking (like Phacelias). Fruits is a dry capsule with 6-8 dark seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most useful in dry, shady areas of the garden where it will thrive on bare
ground. Can tuck it around native shrubs with similar requirements. Excellent choice for containers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native white-flowering annuals.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Nectar attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Provides
some cover and tasty seeds for birds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-sun to quite shady
Any local texture and pH
Need good winter/spring rains; dry to semi-dry in summer.
None needed
Management:
eat all the seed.
Quite easy to grow – like phacelias. Will reseed on bare ground (unless the birds
Needs summer dry period for proper seed-set.
Propagation: from seed: pre-chill seeds, mild areas; can use ‘liquid smoke’ to increase germination.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 16, 21
11/1/09
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