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Giant Figwort*

Adelinia grandis

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Soil

Prefers a deep fertile well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in well-drained ordinary garden soil.

Size

1–3ft tall

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Native Range

Sierra Nevada foothills from Placer County to Kern County, 1000-3000 ft elevation, in oak woodlands and chaparral

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Giant Figwort in part shade - it thrives in woodland conditions and won't tolerate full sun. Choose a spot with well-drained soil that stays somewhat moisture-retentive; if your garden soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost to improve drainage while maintaining some water-holding capacity. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart to accommodate their mature height of 1-3 feet. Fall or early winter planting aligns with its natural growing season and gives the deep taproot time to establish before summer.

After Planting

Water regularly through the first growing season to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged - this plant has deep roots and needs time to establish. Once established (by year 2), it should need less supplemental water as it accesses deeper soil moisture, though summer droughts in the Bay Area may still require occasional watering during extended dry spells. Expect flowers to appear in winter and spring; the plant's dormancy pattern and pruning needs aren't well-documented, so observe how it responds in your garden. The biggest mistake is planting it in too much sun or in poorly drained soil, both of which will stress this woodland native.

Visit Calscape for more information about Giant Figwort*

Wildlife Supported

Insects

Pollen · Year-Round

Specialized pollen forager; nesting season April-July

Larval Host · Year-Round

Multiple generations; larvae feed on foliage April-September

Larval Host · Year-Round

Host plant for larvae; multiple broods March-October

Larval Host · Spring

Early spring host plant; single generation March-April

Larval Host · Summer

Specialized host plant for larval development

Larval Host · Year-Round

Multiple generations; larvae consume foliage year-round in California

Larval Host · Summer

Host plant for larval feeding and development

Larval Host · Year-Round

Polyphagous host; larvae consume foliage April-September

+3 more species

Birds

Nectar · Year-Round

Year-round resident in California; supplemental nectar source

Where to Buy

East Bay Wilds

2110 Eighth St, Suite 202, Berkeley

Fri 9:30am-4pm (occasional Sat, call ahead)

1.5 mi (510) 409-5858 Website
Native Here Nursery

101 Golf Course Dr, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Sat 10am-2pm

3.0 mi (510) 549-0211 Website