* San Diego Sunflower – Viguiera (Bahiopsis) laciniata (vig-EER-uh lah-sin-ee-AY-tuh )

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: San Diego Co. south to Baja, Sonora; on shrubby slopes, lower elevations in dry sandy or

rocky soils.

Growth characteristics: perennial sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft. mounded evergreen (semi-deciduous) sub-shrub. Leaves medium green, lance-shaped and sticky.

Looks somewhat like CA Encelia, but more delicate.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms most months in many gardens. Main bloom period is in spring (Mar-June).

Flowers are yellow sunflowers – similar to Encelia but with yellow disk flowers. Very showy in bloom

and good for attracting butterflies & insect pollinators. Lovely bright spot in the garden!

Uses in the garden: Most often used as an accent plant – for its golden0yellow flowers over a long

time period. Does great on slopes and hillsides, where the roots stabilize the soil. Combine with its natural associates (Rhamnus crocea, Delphinium cardinale, Mimulus aurantiacus, Phacelia

grandiflora) for a colorful mixed bed. Good for wildlife habitat gardens, butterfly gardens.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native sunflowers.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant that attract butterflies, pollinator insects, birds (eat the seed).

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part shade.

Soil Wide tolerance – sandy to clay but no standing water; any local pH.

Water Wide range: regular (Zone 3) to occasional water (Zone 2)

Fertilizer Not needed

Other

Management: Easy to grow. Cut back stems in fall (taper off water in fall) to renew.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; slow germination by cuttings: semi-soft in summer

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20 4/28/10 * CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND