← Back to results

Large Leather-root

Hoita macrostachya

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

low

Soil

Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing; Tolerant of a variety of garden soils as long as sufficient moisture is available.

Size

4–7ft tall

Bloom

Jun-Aug

Deer

Resistant

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Serpentine soils in the Inner Coast Ranges from Lake County to Stanislaus County, below 2500 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Large Leatherroot in full sun with well-draining soil - it tolerates fast, medium, slow, and even standing water as long as moisture is available, so drainage flexibility is your friend. The best planting season in the Bay Area is fall through early spring when soil moisture is naturally higher. Space plants to accommodate their mature height of 4–7 feet and branching habit, and be prepared for a tall, somewhat sparse-looking perennial that can reach nearly 7 feet.

After Planting

Water weekly through your first summer to establish the plant, then transition to low water once established - this California native is drought-tolerant but needs consistent moisture during its first growing season. Expect the plant to bloom purple pealike flowers in summer (June–August) on tall, sturdy stalks. One common mistake is overwatering after the first year; once established, Large Leatherroot thrives on low water and doesn't need ongoing supplemental irrigation in the Bay Area's rainy season.

Visit Calscape for more information about Large Leather-root