Santa Cruz Island Suncup
Camissoniopsis hirtella
Care
2–2ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Endemic to Santa Cruz Island off the coast of Santa Barbara County, coastal bluffs and scrub below 1000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Santa Cruz Island Suncup in fall or winter to establish roots before the growing season. This annual herb prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Space plants about 6 inches apart, as they grow to roughly 2 feet tall with a basal rosette of leaves at ground level.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish. Since this is an annual, expect it to complete its lifecycle in one year, producing bright yellow flowers (sometimes with red spots at their bases) before setting seed and declining naturally. Let spent plants dry out fully before removing them from the garden.
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Wildlife Supported
Insects
fungal pathogen infects plant tissues throughout growing season
fungal association on plant tissues