Plagiobothrys spp.
popcornflowers
Western North America and temperate South America, with a few species in Australia
Overview
Plagiobothrys spp. is a genus of about 65 small annual and perennial herbs in the borage family (Boraginaceae), the popcorn flowers, native chiefly to western North America and South America. Most are low, spreading to ascending plants 2-16 in (5-40 cm) tall, with narrow, bristly-hairy leaves and stems that often stain purple where bruised. The tiny five-lobed white flowers, 0.1-0.3 in (3-8 mm) across with a small yellow or white center, open along coiled, uncurling flower stalks, much like miniature forget-me-nots. Clusters of these white flowers give the popcorn-flower name. Small nutlets follow, and their surface markings are used to tell the many similar species apart. Many species grow in vernal pools, moist grasslands, and seasonally wet ground that dries in summer, completing their cycle in a single spring in the annual species. The genus is a familiar part of western wildflower displays but is rarely cultivated. Plants fade quickly once the soil dries.
Native Range
Plagiobothrys spp. is native mainly to western North America, from British Columbia to California and east into the Great Basin, with a second center of diversity in temperate South America and a few species in Australia. The plants grow in grasslands, vernal pools, open slopes, and seasonally wet flats. They are most common in regions with wet winters and dry summers.Suggested Uses
Used in native wildflower seedings, vernal-pool and grassland restoration, and naturalized meadow plantings in regions with wet winters and dry summers. The small flowers feed early native bees and other spring insects. Sown by seed in autumn rather than set out as plants, at low density across open ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Plagiobothrys spp. flowers in spring, generally March to May, while the wet-season soils stay moist. The small white flowers open in succession along the uncurling coils over a few weeks. Annual species finish flowering and set seed before the summer dry season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with a yellow or white centerFoliage Description
Green, often purple-stainingGrowing 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plagiobothrys spp. grows in full sun on soils that are moist in winter and spring and dry in summer, matching its vernal-pool and grassland homes. Plants tolerate a range of soils, including clay and loam that hold winter moisture, at a soil pH from about 6.0 to 7.5. The annual species need open, sunny, seasonally wet ground and die back as soils dry. They are grown from seed sown in autumn or winter where rain follows. Few pests affect the genus. Outside its native wet-winter, dry-summer climate, it is difficult to establish.Pruning
No pruning is needed for these small wild annuals. Plants are left to set and drop seed for the next season. Spent growth is cleared once the plants dry off in early summer.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn to winter ahead of the rainy season
Plant Spacing
6 inches