False Babystars
Leptosiphon androsaceus
Care
full sun, part shade
0–1ft tall
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Grassland and chaparral throughout California foothills from the Coast Ranges to the Sierra Nevada, 500-4000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant False Babystars in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil during the appropriate season for annuals in your Bay Area garden. Space plants about 12 inches apart to account for their mature height of up to one foot. This native California plant thrives in the same conditions it prefers in the wild - chaparral and woodland areas - so avoid heavy clay or consistently wet soils.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the plant, then reduce watering as it matures since it's adapted to California's drier conditions. As an annual, False Babystars will complete its lifecycle in one year and set seed; if you want it to return, allow some flowers to go to seed and drop naturally. The biggest mistake is overwatering - this plant is drought-tolerant once established, so err on the side of dry rather than wet.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Some subspecies federally protected; species has state endangered designation
Wildlife Supported
Insects
critical larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage in spring
early season nectar source during colony establishment and worker production
early spring pollen source for nesting females
spring pollen collection for brood provisions
larval feeding on plant tissues in spring months