California goldfields

Lasthenia californica

annualView on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade, full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Medium; Variable.

Size

1–1ft tall, 1–1ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Central Valley and coastal foothills from Kern County to Mendocino County, below 2000 ft elevation in grasslands and coastal scrub.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant California goldfields from seed, which germinates readily - this is the most common way to grow it. Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade and medium-draining soil; this plant is flexible about soil type but needs decent drainage. Plant in fall or winter to take advantage of the natural rainy season and spring bloom period. Space plants about 6–12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants that reach up to 1.3 feet tall.

After Planting

Water young plants regularly until established, then cut back dramatically - once established, this annual needs only very low water and should require watering no more than twice a month during summer. Since this is an annual, expect it to bloom heavily in spring and then decline as temperatures warm; this is normal behavior, not a sign of poor care. The biggest mistake is overwatering: this California native thrives on neglect once it's past the seedling stage, so err on the side of dry rather than moist.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Bayensis checkerspot butterflyEuphydryas editha bayensis

Federally endangered since 1967; restricted to serpentine grasslands in Bay Area

Federal: Endangered, CA: Endangered

Avalon sweat beeLasioglossum avalonense

Endemic to Santa Catalina Island; listed under ESA

Federal: Endangered, CA: Endangered

Edith's checkerspot butterflyEuphydryas editha

Some subspecies federally protected; species has state endangered designation

CA: Endangered

California ringlet butterflyCoenonympha california