Blow wives
Achyrachaena mollis
Care
full sun
low
1–1ft tall
Mar-May
Resistant
Friendly
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.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California state threatened species
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage during spring months
pollen source during bloom period; early spring foraging resource
early season pollen source for spring colony establishment
larval host plant for caterpillars in spring; limited California distribution in southern coastal regions
Mammals
herbivory on young foliage and stems during growing season
browse on foliage when available; minor food source in chaparral habitat