Large-Flowered Fairybells

Prosartes smithii

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Water

moderate

Size

2–3ft tall

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Large-Flowered Fairybells in deep shade - this woodland native needs protection from direct sun. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to give their branching stems room to spread. While specific soil requirements aren't detailed in the available data, choose a location with good drainage since this plant prefers moderate to high water availability.

After Planting

Water moderately to generously during the growing season, especially through your first summer, then adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture. This plant is deciduous and will go dormant in winter, so don't be alarmed when foliage disappears - this is normal. The #1 mistake is overwatering during dormancy or planting in too much sun; stick to shade and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings once established.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Western Gray SquirrelSciurus griseus

Western gray squirrel listed as Threatened under CESA; Species of Special Concern

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported

Birds

higAmerican Robin

Fruit · Year-Round

Primary fruit consumer; berries consumed throughout year in California, especially important winter food source

higSwainson's Thrush

Fruit · Spring

Migrating birds fuel on fairybell fruits during spring migration through California woodlands

modDark-Eyed Junco

Fruit · Winter

Ground forager consuming fallen berries and seeds in oak-woodland understory during winter months

modHermit Thrush

Fruit · Winter

Overwintering birds rely on persistent berries as winter food source in oak-woodland understory

modMountain Chickadee

Fruit · Fall

Fall foraging on berries before high elevation migration; caches seeds opportunistically

modMountain Quail

Fruit · Fall

Understory ground forager consuming berries and seeds in autumn before winter dispersal

Insects

modParasitoid Wasp (aphid Predator)

Foliage · Spring

Spring-active predator of aphids on emerging fairybell foliage; important early season biocontrol

modParasitoid Wasp (mealybug Predator)

Foliage · Year-Round

Biological control agent targeting mealybug pests on fairybell foliage and stems

modParasitoid Wasp (scale Insect Predator)

Foliage · Year-Round

Predatory control of mealybugs and scale insects on plant foliage; indirect benefit to plant health

Mammals

modCalifornia Mouse

Seeds · Year-Round

Year-round seed predator and disperser; caches seeds in oak-woodland understory burrows

modLong-Eared Chipmunk

Seeds · Fall

Fall seed collection for winter caches; important seed disperser in California foothill woodlands

modWestern Gray Squirrel

Seeds · Fall

Autumn seed foraging and caching; incidental dispersal of seeds in oak-woodland habitat

Where to Buy

East Bay Wilds

2110 Eighth St, Suite 202, Berkeley

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

1.5 mi(510) 409-5858Website Directions