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Native Plant Database

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Calylophus berlandieri (Berlandier's sundrops)
Marcus, Joseph A.

Calylophus berlandieri Spach

Berlandier's sundrops, Square-bud primrose, Sundrops

Onagraceae (Evening-Primrose Family)

Synonyms: Calylophus berlandieri ssp. berlandieri, Calylophus drummondianus ssp. berlandieri

USDA Symbol: CABE6

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The showy, yellow flowers of Berlandier’s sundrops are 2 in. across with four, broad, crinkled petals. This is a bushy, 4-20 in. plant that sometimes becomes woody near the base. Its leaves are narrow and spiny-toothed.

This is an excellent rock garden plant. Named for French-Swiss physician Jean Louis Berlandier (1805-1851) who colledted plants in Texas and northern Mexico.

 

From the Image Gallery

View herbarium specimen from Harry T. Cliffe Bexar Regional Herbarium.

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Size Notes: 4-20 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: CO , KS , LA , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: S.w. KS through e. NM, OK & TX to n. Mex.; also Gulf states to AL
Native Habitat: Plains; woodland edges; roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: This is an excellent rock garden plant. The showy, yellow flowers of Berlandiers sundrops are 2 in. across with four, broad, crinkled petals. It is a bushy plant that sometimes becomes woody near the base. Its leaves are narrow and spiny-toothed.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Propagation by seed is most successful if sown in fall. Take cuttings on new growth in early spring, sometimes in January.
Commercially Avail: yes

 

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: Hi.. I live in Southwest Austin and I am looking for a shrub that I can plant against the back of my house, which faces the north. I want something native, fairly low maintenance and not too large, as I would like them to be under the windows. I have several oaks in my backyard I get part-shade/part-sun. Thanks, Cindi
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Question: I recently bought a house in a new subdivision just south of Houston - as with most new developments, the area is devoid of nature for the most part... I have planted many bird/butterfly/bee friendly plants in the backyard and instead of having a traditional lawn, I would like to create a meadow. I have been looking at the Wildflower Center's selection of native seeds, but I'm not sure where to start. Can you help me choose some native grasses and wildflowers that might do well in the wet clay soil? I am a big fan of insects and birds and want to make my yard into a refuge for them. Thank you for your help!
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Question: I bought a home in Elgin, TX that was owned by an elderly woman. Most of the lawn is shaded by elm or pecan trees. In the sunny areas, i got native wildflowers to grow like lantana and coneflower, but the lawn is mostly horse herb, carpet grass, and mixed tall prairie grasses. What else can I plant in the shade that are native flowers? Could the grasses be replaced by cedar or Texas sedge in the sandy soil of Bastrop County? Would the sedge out compete the horse herb?
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Question: My wife and I want to take a section of our front lawn that is currently in Bermuda grass and plant some native perennials with lots of flowers. The area will be a quarter-circle in a corner of the lawn with the 2 straight sides approximately 8-10 feet long. Three related questions, what would be the best way (ecological acceptable and good for the coming bed) to get rid of the Bermuda grass. What would be the best method of improving the soil, it is typical clay for Round Rock, Texas. Third what would be some good plant choices. The site gets sun until late-mid to late afternoon.
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Question: Good day, I am searching for a list of native Texas flowers (preferably perennials) for a flower garden. Thank you.
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From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Fredericksburg Chapter - Fredericksburg, TX

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Calylophus berlandieri in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Calylophus berlandieri in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Calylophus berlandieri

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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