Meet a rare, sun-loving wildflower that wears its own cobweb-like coat.
The Crystal Springs lessingia is a rare annual herb that naturally grows in the serpentine soils of the San Francisco Bay Area. This outdoor plant thrives in full sun and reaches a modest height of 0.1 to 0.4 meters. It pairs beautifully in garden beds with companion plants like California poppies and serpentine grasses.
Growing this wildflower can be difficult, but it has a fast growth rate and tolerates drought well. It requires very low watering and is propagated by sowing its seeds. In late summer and autumn, the plant rewards your patience by producing small, delicate lavender flower heads.
This unusual herb is covered in fine, cobweb-like hairs that give it a distinctive look and texture. These late-season blooms serve a wonderful purpose by attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. It is also completely non-toxic to both humans and household pets.