Boykinia rotundifoia qm

1. * Roundleaf Boykinia – Boykinia rotundifolia (boy-KIN-ee-uh ro-tun-dih-FOH-lee-uh )
Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)
Native to: Foothills and lower mountain slopes in S. CA and Baja; damp woodlands, margins of
lakes, ponds, and watercourses, often on disturbed soil, trail sides below 6000 ft.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width:2-3 ft.
Evergreen herbaceous perennial spreading slowly via rhizomes. Leaves are rounded, somewhat like
Heuchera in appearance. Leaves hairy, bright to medium green. Woodsy looking.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late spring to early summer – May to July. Unusual tiny white flowers in
dense clusters along tall (3-4 ft) and thin stalks. Fruit a dry capsule with many small, dark seeds.
Uses in the garden: Often used as a native groundcover for shaded areas of the garden. Would be
good near lawn/under trees. Excellent choice for pond side, rain gardens, under birdbath. Try
mixing with other herbaceous groundcovers for a mixed groundcover for shade. Lovely massed.
Foliage has antifungal properties – was used as a general tonic.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native herbaceous perennial groundcovers.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade to shade – very shade-tolerant.
Soil Most local soils.
Water Regular water/moist soils – Zone 2-3 or 3.
Fertilizer Fine with low-dose fertilizer yearly.
Other Use an organic mulch – leaf mulch is ideal.
Management: Pretty easy with shade and adequate water.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed, in spring by cuttings: likely yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 12, 13 3/29/16
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