Rod Wirelettuce
Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa
Care
full sun
2–12ft tall
Southern California from Ventura County to San Diego County, below 1500 ft elevation, in chaparral and coastal scrub
Care Guide
Planting
Plant rod wirelettuce in full sun in a dry, well-draining location - this is a desert and chaparral native that thrives in the kind of spot where other plants struggle. Since it's an annual, you can direct sow seeds or plant seedlings in spring when soil has warmed up. Space plants to accommodate their eventual height and branching habit, which can reach up to 12 feet tall with dense lateral growth.
After Planting
Rod wirelettuce is an easy-care plant once established in appropriate conditions - no pampering required. After blooming finishes, cut the plant back once you're done enjoying the flowers; if you want it to reseed itself for next year, allow some flower heads to develop and drop their seeds naturally. Since this is an annual, expect it to complete its life cycle in a single season and plan accordingly for next year's planting.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Multiple generations through growing season; larvae feed on plant foliage
Polyphagous species; larvae develop on Stephanomeria foliage
Multiple generations; larvae feed on plant material
Uses plant structure for hunting ambush; predator of herbivorous insects
Larval host plant; nocturnal moth species
Larval host plant relationship
Early season larval host plant; larvae develop on foliage