Emmenanthe penduliflora
whispering bells
Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
SunFull Sun
Overview
Emmenanthe penduliflora, whispering bells, is a sticky annual wildflower 4-20 in (10-50 cm) tall, with erect, branching, glandular-hairy stems and a heavy resinous scent. The leaves are oblong and pinnately lobed to deeply divided, 1-4 in (2.5-10 cm) long, soft and clammy to the touch. From spring it bears nodding, bell-shaped flowers about 0.3-0.5 in (8-12 mm) long, pale creamy yellow and held on slender drooping stalks. After the petals age they do not fall but dry to a thin, papery texture and remain on the plant, rustling in the wind, which gives the species its common name. Emmenanthe penduliflora grows in dry, open, often disturbed ground across the deserts and chaparral of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Its seeds are stimulated to germinate by chemicals in smoke and charred wood, so it appears in quantity the spring after a wildfire and is scarce in unburned years. The plant is short-lived, completing its cycle in a single season, and dies back as the soil dries. It tolerates poor, rocky soils and intense sun but cannot persist in shade or irrigated ground.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, and adjacent Baja California and Sonora. It grows in deserts, chaparral, and dry slopes, often appearing after fire or soil disturbance.Suggested Uses
Used in native and habitat gardens, post-fire restoration, and desert wildflower seed mixes. Suited to dry, sunny, disturbed sites. Combines with other desert annuals in low-water plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
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
Grows in full sun and sharply drained sandy, rocky, or gravelly soil. It needs little water and tolerates heat, drought, and poor ground. Soil pH from 6.0 to 8.0 is suitable. Seed germinates after exposure to smoke or charred plant material, so smoke-treated seed sown in fall raises germination. The plant is a short-lived annual that dies after setting seed and does not tolerate shade or wet soil.Pruning
No pruning is required. As an annual it is pulled or left to dry once seed has set. Leaving spent plants in place allows the papery seed capsules to disperse for the next favorable season.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Sow in fall; germination is enhanced by smoke or charate treatment
Plant Spacing
6 inches