Capnoides sempervirens
rock harlequin
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Capnoides sempervirens is an annual or biennial herb in the poppy family, growing 8-48 in (20-120 cm) tall on slender, much-branched stems. The foliage is glaucous blue-green and finely divided into rounded segments, giving the plant an open, lacy outline. From late spring into summer it produces narrow tubular flowers about 0.5 in (12 mm) long, pink to rose with bright yellow tips, held in loose clusters at the stem tips. Flowers are followed by slender erect pods 1-2 in (3-5 cm) long that split to release small black seeds. The plant favors rocky outcrops, cliff ledges, gravelly clearings, and recently burned ground, often appearing in quantity after fire and then fading as other vegetation returns. It germinates readily in disturbed mineral soil and completes its life cycle within one or two seasons. Because it is shallow-rooted and short-lived, it contributes little lasting structure in a planting and is grown mainly for the flowering display. The sap and foliage contain alkaloids and are bitter to grazing animals.
Native Range
Capnoides sempervirens is native to North America, ranging across much of Canada and the eastern and northern United States, south in the mountains to Georgia and west to Alaska. It grows on rocky and disturbed sites, frequently colonizing burned areas.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, gravel gardens, and native plantings on lean soils, spaced 8-12 in (20-30 cm) apart. Suited to naturalizing in disturbed or burned ground where it self-sows. Combines with other short-lived wildflowers in open, sunny sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 4'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from May through September, peaking in early summer. The tubular pink-and-yellow flowers open in loose racemes and are visited by bumblebees and hummingbirds. Plants often bloom over an extended period because new flowering shoots continue to form.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink with yellow tipsFoliage Description
glaucous blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on sharply drained, gravelly or rocky soil low in fertility. It establishes from seed sown directly where plants are to grow and does not transplant well once the taproot forms. Water is needed only to germinate seedlings; established plants tolerate dry, lean conditions. Rich or heavy soils shorten its life and encourage floppy growth. It self-sows where the ground stays open and seedlings are not crowded out. No staking or feeding is required.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent plants can be pulled once seed has set if self-sowing is not wanted. Cutting back straggly stems in midsummer encourages a flush of new bloom.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
early spring or fall
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
10 inches