FIRECHALICE

Zauschneria latifolia

When the last of the penstemons and columbines that provide nectar for hummingbirds have finished flowering, the birds still need a nectar source as they begin their southward journey in the fall. Fortunately there is one more fine nectar plant to fill this need, the midsummer to autumn-flowering firechalice. This relative of the evening primroses is in nature a canyon plant that likes to grow in the rocks, but it has proven extremely versatile in a garden setting. It is reasonably drought-tolerant, but is also tolerant of the watering regimes in traditional landscapes, and it performs as well in sun as in partial shade. Firechalice slowly spreads to form patches. It looks great planted with native columbines, sticky geranium, and prairie smoke. There are several excellent cultivars of this species available. These vary mainly in their stature, foliage color and texture, and flowering times.