Why choose native plants? Pacific Northwest native plants know how to live here and how to thrive here. They often need much less water and less fertilizer. They spread slowly and are not invasive. They support a wide diversity of wildlife. And best of all, they look great!
Fragrant popcorn flower has a fascinating ecology as a vernal pool plant. In wild settings, the seeds survive under water in seasonally flooded fields and ponds, germinating as the water recedes, and forming widespread mats of white blooming color in early summer. The blooms occur in clusters and resemble small, white forget-me-nots (of which it is a relative). Despite its adaptation to wet sites, fragrant popcorn flower can survive in some upland locations if it has sufficient rain and limited competition from other plants. Still, this is a great plant to try growing in poorly drained yards that dry out in the summer, as well as swales and rain gardens. Popcorn flower, when planted in drifts, is truly eye-catching….not to mention its sweet scent that wafts through the spring air. It is also very attractive mixed with other moisture-loving plants such as calico flower, yellow monkeyflower, and buttercups. A good nectar source for pollinators including the endangered Fender’s Blue butterfly. Full sun. Grows to 12″ tall. Image courtesy of Willamette Wildlings. For a colorful 11×17 poster of all the PNW Native Annuals we offer, click here.
