Sierra Tidy Tips
Layia pentachaeta ssp. albida
Care
full sun
very low
well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
0–1ft tall , 1–2ft wide
Apr-Jun
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Sierra Nevada foothills from Tuolumne to Kern County, 2000-4000 ft elevation, in open woodland and chaparral.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Sierra Tidy Tips in full sun with well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil - the better the drainage, the happier the plant. This annual wildflower thrives in the conditions of California's foothills and valleys, so if your soil tends to hold moisture, amend it with sand or gravel before planting. Plant in fall or early winter to take advantage of the natural rainfall and establish strong roots before the April-June bloom season.
After Planting
Sierra Tidy Tips is extremely drought-tolerant once established, so resist the urge to water frequently - very low water is all this plant needs. Since it's an annual, expect the plant to complete its life cycle and die back after blooming and setting seed in early summer; this is normal. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering, which causes root rot in this desert-adapted wildflower.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California endemic kangaroo rat
California Species of Special Concern; monarch populations declining
Wildlife Supported
Birds
seed consumption post-bloom late season
fall migration and winter foraging on seed heads
brush cover in chaparral and grassland habitats
Insects
early nectar availability during bloom period
spring migration fuel along California coast
early season pollen source when available
spring foraging for early-blooming Layia
Mammals
spring foliage browsing during growth period
seed cache and consumption autumn through winter
opportunistic seed foraging when available