Eucrypta, Genus, chrysanthemifolia, Species,
- Genus & species
common eucrypta
Southwestern United States and Baja California
SunPart Shade – Full Sun
Overview
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia is a winter annual in the borage family, formerly placed in the waterleaf family, native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It grows 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall on slender, brittle, often sticky stems, with deeply lobed, fern-like leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long that give off a scent when crushed. From spring it carries small bell- to saucer-shaped flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (4-8 mm) wide, white to pale lavender with a yellowish throat, held in loose, curving clusters. The plant often grows in the partial shade of shrubs and rocks and in recently burned chaparral, where it can appear in large numbers after fire. It grows in canyons, washes, rocky slopes, and shaded openings, frequently among boulders. As an annual it completes its life in one season and dies as the soil dries in late spring. The foliage has a sticky, glandular surface that can trap small insects, and the plant is easily pulled when growth is no longer wanted.
Native Range
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia is native to the southwestern United States, mainly California and Arizona, and into Baja California, Mexico. It grows in shaded canyons, washes, rocky slopes, and burned chaparral.Suggested Uses
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia is used in native and wildflower gardens, shaded native plantings, and post-fire restoration seed mixes within its range. It suits shaded, rocky native areas where it can self-sow. Its flowers are visited by small native bees and other insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Small white to pale lavender flowers open from spring into early summer (March-June), the timing and abundance tied to winter rainfall. The loose clusters uncurl as new flowers open along them. Small seed capsules follow and the plant dies as soils dry.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale lavenderFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia grows in part shade to full sun in loose, well-drained soils, often in the shade of shrubs and rocks. As a desert and chaparral annual it germinates with cool-season rain and tolerates drought as the season ends. Sow seed in fall on open ground where the plants are to grow. It needs no fertilizer and little water beyond seasonal rainfall in its climate. It self-sows and appears in large flushes after fire or soil disturbance. It completes its cycle in one season and dies after setting seed.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Plants can be left to set and drop seed, or pulled once they dry if reseeding is not wanted.Toxicity: Not assessed
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
fall
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches