Stephanomeria diegensis
san diego wirelettuce
Coastal southern California and Baja California
SunFull Sun
Overview
Stephanomeria diegensis is an annual reaching 1-5 feet (30-150 cm) tall, with a single slender main stem that branches into a wiry, openly spreading framework. Early basal leaves are runcinate to pinnately lobed, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, and wither before flowering; upper stem leaves are reduced to small bracts, leaving the green stems as the main photosynthetic surface. Flower heads are scattered along the branch tips, each 0.5-0.75 inch (12-19 mm) across with 5-11 strap-shaped pink to lavender ray florets notched at the tip. Bloom runs from late summer into fall, followed by seeds tipped with feathery pappus bristles that carry on wind. Stems exude milky latex when cut. As a warm-season annual it germinates with fall or winter rains, grows through spring, flowers, sets seed, and dies within a single year. Plants appear in greatest numbers in the first seasons after fire or soil disturbance and decline as surrounding shrubs close in.
Native Range
Native to coastal southern California and northwestern Baja California, Mexico. Grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and disturbed openings below 3,000 feet (900 m), often on dry slopes and roadcuts.Suggested Uses
Used in native plant gardens, restoration plantings, and wildflower meadows in Mediterranean-climate regions of the Southwest, sown at low density on open ground. The seeds feed finches and other small birds. Less suited to small formal beds, where the open wiry form reads as weedy.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to lavenderFoliage 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
As a wild annual it is grown from seed sown in fall on open, sharp-draining soil in full sun. Seedlings need winter moisture to establish, but mature plants tolerate dry summer conditions. Rich soil and summer irrigation produce weak, overly tall growth that flops. The species self-sows where soil stays open, though seedlings are crowded out by dense perennial cover. No serious pests or diseases affect it. Plants complete their life cycle and die after setting seed, so renewal depends on the seed bank.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this annual. Spent plants can be cut or pulled after seed drop in late fall. Leaving some seedheads in place maintains the stand from year to year.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow