Coastal Brookfoam
(Boykinia occidentalis)
Coastal Brookfoam (Boykinia occidentalis)
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Don Loarie
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Don Loarie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Don Loarie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Don Loarie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-06-26T10:35:47-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Boykinia occidentalis, commonly known as Coastal Brookfoam, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to streambanks and moist, shaded forest floors in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters tall on slender stems and forms clumps with its spreading rhizomes. The plant features an open array of many small, star-shaped white flowers with five tiny pointed sepals and five larger oval petals, blooming from late spring to early summer. The foliage is also attractive, with rounded, toothed leaves that provide a lush green backdrop for the delicate flowers.
Coastal Brookfoam is valued for its ability to thrive in shady, moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, streamside plantings, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, it prefers part shade but can tolerate full shade, and it is adaptable to a range of water conditions, from low to high, as long as the soil has good moisture retention and slow to moderate drainage. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Coastal Brookfoam is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a safe choice for planting near structures or sensitive areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coastal Brookfoam is valued for its ability to thrive in shady, moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, streamside plantings, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, it prefers part shade but can tolerate full shade, and it is adaptable to a range of water conditions, from low to high, as long as the soil has good moisture retention and slow to moderate drainage. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Coastal Brookfoam is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a safe choice for planting near structures or sensitive areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-1.3 feet
- Width: 0.115-0.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to streambanks and moist, shaded forest floors in the Pacific Northwest
Other Names
Common Names: Coast Boykinia, Boykinie De L’Ouest
Scientific Names: , Boykinia occidentalis, Boykinia elata, Therofon cincinnatum, Therofon elatum, Boykinia nuttalli, Boykinia elata var. occidentalis, Boykinia vancouverensis, Therophon vancouverense, Boykinia circinnata
GBIF Accepted Name: Boykinia occidentalis Torr. & A.Gray