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Popcorn-flower

Plagiobothrys nothofulvus

annual View on Calscape

Care

Size

0–2ft tall

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Central Valley and surrounding foothills from Kern County north to Shasta County, below 3000 ft elevation, in grasslands and open scrub

Care Guide

Planting

Plant popcorn-flower in spring (February through April is its natural bloom window) in well-draining soil - it thrives in grassland habitats and is often found on serpentine or plutonic soils, so avoid heavy clay. This is a native wildflower that grows 0.7 to 2.3 feet tall, so space accordingly among other native herbs like Aster chilensis, Lotus angustissimus, and Brodiaea terrestris for a naturalistic meadow planting. The plant's specific habitat preferences (grassy meadows, woodlands, coastal sage scrub) suggest it prefers open conditions typical of the Bay Area's native grasslands.

After Planting

Once established, popcorn-flower is a low-maintenance native that requires minimal intervention - it's a spring ephemeral wildflower adapted to seasonal moisture patterns in California. Since it naturally flowers February through April and is associated with seasonal wetlands and meadow habitats, expect it to follow seasonal dormancy patterns; avoid overwatering outside its growing season. The biggest mistake is treating it like a typical garden perennial - this is a wildflower species that wants to behave like a wildflower, so let it follow its natural spring bloom cycle and go dormant when conditions dry out.

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