Blow wives

Achyrachaena mollis

annualView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

low

Size

1–1ft tall

Bloom

Mar-May

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Native Range

Coastal sage scrub and grasslands from San Francisco Bay Area south to San Diego County, below 2000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant blow-wives in full sun where it can get direct light all day. Since this is an annual, plant it in spring during its natural blooming season (March through May). The plant is native to California's low-elevation hills and grasslands, so it's adapted to well-draining conditions - avoid heavy, compacted soil. Space plants about one foot apart to account for their mature height and width.

After Planting

Blow-wives is a low-water plant once established, so avoid overwatering - this is the #1 mistake people make with California natives. Water moderately during the first growing season to help it establish, then cut back significantly as temperatures rise. Since this is an annual herb, expect it to complete its life cycle and die back naturally after blooming and setting seed in late spring; you won't need to prune it.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

California ringlet butterflyCoenonympha california

California state threatened species

CA: Threatened

Brush RabbitSylvilagus bachmani

Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported