Status:
valid
Authors:
(Greene) Greene
Source:
wcs
Year:
1910
Citation Micro:
Leafl. Bot. Observ. Crit. 2: 45 (1910)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000831921
Common Names
- Downingia Laeta
- Joyful Downingia
- Joyful False Asphodel
Description
Downingia laeta (also called Joyful Downingia, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to California. It grows in moist and shady places, and has long, narrow leaves and small blue flowers that have a cheerful appearance.
Uses & Benefits
Downingia laeta is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Downingia laeta has small, white to lavender flowers with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Downingia laeta is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance.
Where to Find Downingia laeta
Downingia laeta can be found in the western United States, from California to Washington.
Species in the Downingia genus
Downingia bacigalupii,
Downingia bella,
Downingia bicornuta,
Downingia concolor,
Downingia elegans,
Downingia insignis,
Downingia laeta,
Downingia montana,
Downingia ornatissima,
Downingia pulchella,
Downingia pusilla,
Downingia yina,
Downingia cuspidata,
Species in the Campanulaceae family
Adenophora amurica,
Adenophora brevidiscifera,
Adenophora capillaris,
Adenophora changaica,
Adenophora coelestis,
Adenophora contracta,
Adenophora cordifolia,
Adenophora divaricata,
Adenophora elata,
Adenophora fusifolia,
Adenophora gmelinii,
Adenophora golubinzevaeana,
Adenophora grandiflora,
Adenophora hatsushimae,
Adenophora himalayana,
Adenophora hubeiensis,
Adenophora izuensis,
Adenophora jacutica,
Adenophora jasionifolia,
Adenophora khasiana,
Adenophora lamarkii,
Adenophora liliifolia,
Adenophora liliifolioides,
Adenophora lobophylla,
Adenophora longipedicellata,
Adenophora maximowicziana,
Adenophora micrantha,
Adenophora morrisonensis,
Adenophora nikoensis,
Adenophora ningxianica,
Adenophora palustris,
Adenophora pereskiifolia,
Adenophora petiolata,
Adenophora pinifolia,
Adenophora polyantha,
Adenophora potaninii,
Adenophora probatovae,
Adenophora remotidens,
Adenophora remotiflora,
Adenophora rupestris,
Adenophora rupincola,
Adenophora sinensis,
Adenophora stenanthina,
Adenophora stenophylla,
Adenophora stricta,
Adenophora sublata,
Adenophora takedai,
Adenophora tashiroi,
Adenophora taurica,
Adenophora trachelioides,