Hill Suncup
Tetrapteron graciliflorum
Care
0–0ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Sierra Nevada foothills and adjacent valleys from Tulare County to Amador County, below 2000 ft elevation, in grasslands and vernal pools
Care Guide
Planting
Plant hill suncup in full sun in a location with clay or well-draining soil, as this native annual thrives in the conditions found in its natural California and Oregon habitats. Since it's an annual herb, plant it in spring when soil can be worked, spacing plants according to their mature size of around 4 inches tall. This low-growing plant works well in rock gardens, native plant borders, or areas where you want bright yellow flowers without much vertical presence.
After Planting
Water regularly during the growing season to establish the plant, then reduce watering as it matures since hill suncup is adapted to drier conditions. As an annual, expect the plant to complete its life cycle within a single growing season, producing its delicate yellow flowers and then setting seed. The main thing to avoid is overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil, which can cause root problems in this native species.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
multiple Puccinia species may parasitize host plant tissues