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(Hoita macrostachya)
Large Leather-Root (Hoita macrostachya)
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Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Madeleine Claire
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Madeleine Claire | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-06-29T18:06:08Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hoita macrostachya, commonly known as Large Leather-Root, is a deciduous perennial herb native to California to Baja California, particularly found in moist areas such as stream banks and wet meadows. It can grow to a tall, branching form approaching two meters in height. The plant is characterized by its hairy, glandular stems and foliage. The inflorescence is a dense spike of purplish pea-like flowers, which bloom in the summer and early fall, adding color to the garden. The fruit is a hairy, veiny legume pod less than a centimeter long, containing kidney-shaped seeds.
Large Leather-Root is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to thrive in moist, shady conditions, making it suitable for riparian plantings and woodland gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its preference for wet soils. In cultivation, it requires part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor. Gardeners should be aware that it may spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Large Leather-Root is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to thrive in moist, shady conditions, making it suitable for riparian plantings and woodland gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its preference for wet soils. In cultivation, it requires part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor. Gardeners should be aware that it may spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-9 feet
- Width: 1-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Fall, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Wet, Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to California to Baja California, particularly found in moist areas such as stream banks and wet meadows
Other Names
Common Names: California Hemp
Scientific Names: , Hoita macrostachya, Psoralea macrostachya, Hoita longiloba, Hoita villosa, Psoralea douglasii var. hansenii, Psoralea douglasii, Psoralea macrostachya var. rhombifolia, Hoita douglasii, Hoita rhombifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Hoita macrostachya (DC.) Rydb.