1. Sand Fringepod/ Beach Spectaclepod – Thysanocarpus curvipes
(thy-san-o-KAR-pus KUR-vi-pees)
Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Native to: Western North America from Baja to British Columbia, including most of lower elevation
CA; common on slopes, in washes and in moist meadows in valley grasslands, coastal sage scrub,
chaparral and foothill woodland to about 5000'.
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Simple to branching annual wildflower with larger leaves at base. Often frail, disappearing quickly
with hot weather. May be more robust in garden with some water.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring (Mar to May depending on conditions). Flowers at top of stem,
opening sequentially up the stem. Flowers are small, white or with purple tinge, typical of Mustard
family (in parts of 4). Pods are showy, a flat round disk with lacy fringes – hence the common
names of ‘Fringepod’ and ‘Spectaclepod’.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used in annual wildflower prairie or meadow.
grasses and other wildflowers. Fine around native water-wise perennials.
and planters. Parched seeds add flavor to baked goods, other dishes.
Nice with native
Excellent choice for pots
Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual flowering plants.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: seed-eating birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade (will be more leggy).
Just about any, from sand to clay; any local pH.
Need good winter/spring rains; no water after plants finish flowering to allow proper
seed production.
Not needed – probably wouldn’t harm it.
Management:
Manage like other native wildflowers.
Needs summer dry period.
Propagation: from seed: moderate germination rate ; keep soil moist when seedling are small.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 13
3/27/09
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