Chylismia brevipes
golden suncup
Mojave and Sonoran deserts, southwestern North America
Overview
Chylismia brevipes is a desert annual 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall, forming a basal rosette of leaves from which slender, often reddish flowering stalks rise. The basal leaves are pinnately lobed with a large rounded end lobe, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, while the upper stalks are nearly leafless. From late winter into spring the stalks carry loose clusters of bright yellow four-petalled flowers, each 0.5-1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) across, opening near the stem tip with buds nodding below. The flowers are followed by slender curved seed capsules that ripen and split to release many small seeds. The plant grows on sandy and gravelly desert flats, washes, and slopes of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, germinating after autumn and winter rains and completing its life cycle by early summer. In dry years few plants appear, while wet winters bring large showings. It needs open sun and sharp drainage and does not persist beyond a single season. It cannot tolerate shade, rich soil, or standing water.
Native Range
Chylismia brevipes is native to the southwestern United States, in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, extending into northwestern Mexico. It grows on sandy or gravelly desert flats, washes, bajadas, and rocky slopes at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Used in desert wildflower seedings, native plantings, and naturalized dry gardens in arid regions. Sown for spring color among other desert annuals and to feed early desert bees. Suited to open, sandy, sunny sites rather than irrigated beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Bright yellow four-petalled flowers open from late winter into spring, mainly February to April, with buds nodding below the open flowers. Bees and other desert insects pollinate them. Slender curved capsules follow and split to release the seeds before the plant dries.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Chylismia brevipes grows in full sun on sandy or gravelly, sharply drained desert soils of low fertility. As a winter annual it germinates after autumn and winter rains, flowers in spring, and dies by early summer. It is grown from seed sown on the soil surface in autumn where winters are mild and dry. It needs no fertilizer and little water beyond seasonal rain, and excess moisture rots the roots. Bloom is heaviest in seasons with good winter rainfall. It does not tolerate shade, heavy soil, or standing water.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this short-lived annual. Spent plants can be pulled once they dry and set seed. Leaving the dried capsules in place lets seed scatter for the following season.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Sow seed on the soil surface in autumn in mild-winter desert climates.
Days to Maturity
90–150 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions