California Fuchsia
Epilobium canum
California Fuchsia is a brilliant flowering perennial, notable for its profusion of bright scarlet flowers. This low-lying plant has long, woody tendrils stretching from its base, covered in leaves. The pointed, ovate leaves range in color from light green to silvery white and in shape from lacy on the stalk to wide near the base. The inflorescence blooms at the end of the stalks in clusters of vivid red, trumpet-like flowers.
Basic Information
Member of Onagraceae, or evening primrose, family
This plant’s appearance varies across habitats, resulting in the classification of numerous subspecies; however, most are no longer recognized because of the extensive cross-breeding between them. There are still three recognized subspecies:
Epilobium canum ssp. canum (including ssp. angustifolia, ssp. microphylla)
Epilobium canum ssp. Garrettii
Epilobium canum ssp. latifolium
The plant tends to die and go dormant during the winter
Habitat
Native to the California foothills and coastal areas
Often found by seasonal creeks, seeps and springs, particularly in the drier southern part of it's range
One of the most attractive plants to hummingbirds, as it has flowers filled with tasty nectar
Ecological Role
Fire resistant
Reproduction
The flowers bloom from February - May
Flowers in the summer and autumn
Typically, this plant is the only native California plant flowering in an area at the height of summer
These plants self-seed, and tend to spring up around the initial plant; however, they also have spreading rhizomes (underground roots) that sprout new plants
Alternative Names
California-fuchsia, Hummingbird Flower, Hummingbird Trumpet, wild fuchsia, and firechalice
Historical Uses
The Ohlone used a decoction of the plant for a variety of medicinal treatments for ailments including infected sores, infants’ fevers, urinary problems, and as a general remedy
The Miwok used a decoction of the plant for hemorrhaging after birth, syphilis, and tuberculosis
Also used the plant as a cathartic
A decoction was used for bladder troubles and kidney troubles by the Miwok and Ohlone
The Karok sucked the blossoms for nectar
