Sticky Chinese Houses

Collinsia tinctoria

annualView on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

very low

Size

1–2ft tall

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Chaparral and scrub foothills from the Bay Area south to Kern County, 500-3000 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Sticky Chinese Houses in partial shade to deep shade - it thrives in the dappled light of Bay Area woodlands rather than full sun. Space plants according to their mature height of under 2 feet, and ensure the soil drains well since this is a California native adapted to mountain forest conditions. Plant in fall or early spring to take advantage of the cooler, wetter season.

After Planting

This annual herb is extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring very low water after the first growing season. Water moderately during establishment the first year, then back off significantly as the plant matures - overwatering is the main threat to success. Since it's an annual, expect it to complete its life cycle within a year and reseed naturally if conditions suit it.

Visit Calscape for more information about Sticky Chinese Houses

Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Edith's checkerspot butterflyOccidryas editha

Listed under ESA; California populations endangered; multiple subspecies with varying conservation status

Federal: Threatened, CA: Endangered, CA Special Concern

Edith's checkerspot butterflyEuphydryas editha

Some subspecies federally protected; species has state endangered designation

CA: Endangered

Wildlife Supported