Hairy gumplant

Planting

Plant your hairy gumplant in full sun with fast-draining soil - it's extremely drought-tolerant once established and won't tolerate wet feet. This Bay Area native thrives in poor, well-drained conditions and can handle fast, medium, or slow draining soils as long as drainage is good. Space plants 1–2 feet apart, and you can plant year-round in the Bay Area, though fall and early spring give the best establishment window.

After Planting

Water weekly during your plant's first summer to establish deep roots, then dramatically reduce watering - this plant needs very low water once established and is even tolerant of recycled water. Expect red or purplish-brown stems and golden yellow flowers from June through November. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; treat this as a drought plant from year two onward and only water during extended dry spells.

Insects

criMonarch butterfly

Nectar · Fall

Critical fall migration fuel source during southbound migration (Aug-Oct)

higBuckeye butterfly

Larval Host · Year-Round

Confirmed host plant for caterpillar development; multiple generations

higGrindelia seed moth

Larval Host · Year-Round

Specialist herbivore; may use plant year-round in mild climates

higPainted lady butterfly

Nectar · Year-Round

Year-round bloomer attraction; key resource during population irruptions

higRed Admiral

Nectar · Year-Round

Resident and migratory populations; consistent nectar source

modCallippe fritillary

Nectar · Summer

Peak use during mid-summer flight period

modDead-Colored Flower Moth

Larval Host · Year-Round

Caterpillar feeds on reproductive structures

modGumplant gall midge

Larval Host · Year-Round

Forms galls on stem and flower tissues; multi-generational

+1 more species