Redwood keckiella
Keckiella corymbosa
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
1–2ft tall
Jun-Nov
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Redwood coast from Humboldt County to Sonoma County, below 2000 ft elevation in mixed evergreen forests.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Redwood keckiella in full sun - it needs bright light to thrive. While the data doesn't specify soil type, this native coastal mountain plant will appreciate well-draining soil since it requires very low water once established. Space plants about 1 to 2 feet apart to accommodate their mature spread of less than a meter. Plant in fall or early spring to let the plant establish roots before summer heat.
After Planting
Water weekly during your plant's first summer to help it establish, then transition to very low supplemental water - this native is extremely drought-tolerant once settled in. Expect blooms from June through November, with the plant reaching 1 to 2 feet tall. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; resist the urge to water during dry summers, as this plant evolved to handle our Mediterranean climate. Deer won't bother it, and it requires minimal pruning - just remove dead growth as needed to maintain shape.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California legless lizard endemic to coastal areas
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
larval host plant for this native silk moth; caterpillars feed on foliage (May-June)
Mammals
browses tender shoots and leaves; uses dense shrub structure for cover and nesting
Birds
gleaning insects and spider eggs from foliage; year-round resident in coastal scrub
uses dense shrub cover for roosting and nesting substrate (April-July)
Reptiles
uses dense shrub cover for daytime refuge and foraging for arthropods