1. Beach Suncup – Camissonia cheiranthifolia spp. suffruticosa
(cam-i-SO-nee-uh kie-RAN-thee-FOE-lee-uh suff-FRUIT-i-CO-suh)
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
Native to: Sandy beaches and dunes from Santa Barbara to Baja California
Growth characteristics: woody/herbaceous sub-shrub mature height: 1-2 ft mature width: to 3 ft
Low-growing perennial with wiry stems emerging from a central rosette. Leaves and stems are graygreen due to silvery hairs. Plant has deep taproot. Plant several plants if seeds are desired because
plants only partially self-fertile.
Blooms/fruits: Bright yellow flowers with red spots.
Blooms mostly from April-August, but some
blooms year-round.
Uses in the garden: Attractive flowers most of the year. Good for beds or containers, in sunny
mixed borders, on slopes or in a parkway with other native perennials. Also can be used in rock
gardens or hanging baskets. Key plant for an authentic dunes garden – does very well in sand.
Excellent for erosion control – particularly for wind erosion on slopes.
Sensible substitute for: non-native ground covers such as Iceplant
Attracts: butterflies and other pollinators, including native bees.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to afternoon shade (inland areas)
Needs well-drained soil (sandy best)
Needs little after established; loses leaves during dry periods with no water
none
Salt tolerant and fire-resistant (re-sprouts)
little needed – just prune lightly to remove dead or rangy stems. Relatively shortlived (3-5 years). Will readily reseed on bare soil.
Management:
Propagation: From seed: collect seed in summer. Cold treatment may improve germination.
in prepared beds or pots from fall-spring.
Plant
By divisions: large plants can be divided in late summer.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25
11/25/10
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