1. Coast (Wedge-leaf) Horkelia – Horkelia cuneata ssp. cuneata
(hor-KEL (or KEEL)-ee-uh
kew-nee-AY-ta)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Coastal dunes and interior dunes from San Francisco to San Diego; Open sandy fields
and chaparral, old dunes, southern oak woodland, coastal sage scrub.
This plant was once
common, but now is disappearing due to loss of habitat (CA Native Plant Society species of
Concern).
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-3 ft.
Spreading but somewhat erect perennial from a woody root. Leaves are attractive, much dissected.
Foliage is clumped at base, while flowering stalks are spreading, above the foliage.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Mar-Sept; small, solitary white flowers that look like little rose blooms.
Seeds contained in papery capsules (see right photo, above).
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Flowers are small but attractive – plant where you can enjoy them along a path
or at the front of beds. Nice with other native perennials, annual wildflowers and bulbs.
probably do fine in large pots.
Would
Sensible substitute for: Non-native, white-flowered perennials like Spring Cinquefoil
Attracts: bees are attracted by nectar. Birds probably eat the seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun or part-shade
Sandy best
Low water requirements
None needed
Management:
Cut back dead branches in summer.
Propagation: from seed:
May need staking if becomes leggy.
yes; fall – long germination time (2+ mo.)
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 6, 10, 13
by cuttings: yes
12/5/10
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