General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Upland woods, disturbed areas, fields, roadsides
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, SC, NC, TN, TX, and throughout most of the U.S.
Growing Zones: 3–9
Size at Maturity: 1–2 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
Phenology: Winter annual or biennial
Life Cycle: Annual or Biennial
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Growth Habit: Clumping, spreading, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Spring to early summer
Bloom Color: Pink to pale lavender
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, clay, well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Average to dry
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildflower gardens, pollinator habitats, naturalized areas, low-maintenance borders
Maintenance Tips: Self-seeds readily; deadhead if you wish to prevent spreading
Considerations: Can look weedy in manicured landscapes; best suited to naturalistic settings
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Caution (some parts used traditionally, but not commonly consumed; consult expert before use)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for wound healing and gastrointestinal issues
Florida Native Companion Plant: Coreopsis, Blue-eyed Grass, Black-eyed Susan, Partridge Pea
Wildlife Benefit: Pollinators, especially bees
Caterpillar Host Plant: No