Forked Bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum)
Excellent for wildflower gardens with its showy bright blue blooms and due to its ability to heavily reseed. Interesting flowers make it stand out amongst the others.
•Size at Maturity: Typically grows up to 1-3 feet tall.
•Bloom Season: Blooms from late spring to fall, producing spikes of blue to purple flowers.
•Native Status to Florida: Native to Florida.
•pH Requirements: Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, but typically found in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
•Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun.
•Salt Tolerance: Low salt tolerance.
•Moisture Requirements: Prefers well-drained, sandy soils; drought-tolerant once established.
•Wildlife Benefits: Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. Provides habitat for beneficial insects.
•Phenology: Produces spikes of blue to purple flowers with aromatic foliage.
•Considerations (if any): Forked Bluecurls may self-seed and spread in the garden.
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, or naturalized areas with sandy soil.
•Toxicity to Pets: Trichostema species are not reported to be toxic to pets, but ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Forked Bluecurls, Trichostema dichotomum
Plant Conditions
Sun: Full
Size: 2-3’ tall by 1-2’ wide
Spacing: 1'
pH: Adaptable
Soil: Sandy, dry
Salt Tolerance: Moderate tolerance of salt spray but not of inundation of salty or brackish waters
Drought Tolerance: Yes
Native Status: Yes
Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
Bloom Color: Blue
Life Span: Annual
Growth Habit: Heavy self seeder
Host: No
Nectar: Yes
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts bees and other various pollinators. Provides habitat and cover for birds and other pollinators.
Propagation: Propagation is best done by seed, with a seed storage life of 2-3 years if stored properly. Seed germination can be improved with cold stratification for 2-3 months before planting.
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