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Anthony Valois and the National Park Service, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Thysanocarpus curvipes is a slender annual herb growing 8-32 inches (20-80 cm) tall on a single erect, often branched stem. Basal leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, with toothed or lobed margins, while stem leaves are narrower and clasp the stem with ear-like bases. Flowers are minute, about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across, with four white to pinkish petals, carried in an elongating raceme. The fruits are flattened, circular, winged silicles 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide, each ringed by a thin papery margin that may be perforated or notched, hanging on curved, downturned stalks along the upper stem. Plants are pale green and sparsely hairy to nearly smooth. They germinate with winter rains, flower and fruit in spring, and die by early summer as soils dry. Growth is rapid within a single season, and the wiry stems persist briefly after the foliage withers. The species is restricted to seasonally moist, well-drained ground and does not tolerate summer watering or dense competition.
Native Range
Native to western North America from British Columbia south through California to Baja California and east to the Rocky Mountains. Grows on open slopes, grasslands, chaparral openings, and sandy or rocky soils below about 6,500 feet (2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Used in western native plant gardens, restoration seedings, and dry meadow plantings on sandy or rocky soils. Suited to unirrigated areas where winter and spring moisture is reliable. Established by broadcast seed rather than spaced transplants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'8"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowers from March through May, shifting earlier at low elevations and later in cooler inland and montane sites. Each flower is brief, but the raceme elongates over several weeks as fruits develop. Flowering depends on winter and early spring rainfall.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pinkFoliage Description
Pale greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 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
Established from seed broadcast in fall onto open, well-drained soil; seedlings emerge after cool winter rains. Plants need moisture through spring and tolerate drying as they set fruit. Summer irrigation causes rot and shortens the season. No staking or division applies to this annual. Seed disperses as the winged fruits detach, and stands return where ground stays open. Seedlings compete poorly with established grasses and weeds.Pruning
No pruning is required. Plants can be left to disperse seed or cleared once dry. Cutting fruiting stems before they shatter reduces volunteer seedlings in managed plantings.Toxicity: Not assessed
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Fall