Large-Flowered Collomia

Collomia grandiflora

Polemoniaceae

• Spokane Native
  
• USDA Zone 4-8
• Full sun to part shade
• 1–3' tall x 0.5–1' wide
• Drought Tolerance: High once established
• Habit: Taprooted annual, self-seeding
• Flower: Salmon, peach, or pale yellow trumpet flowers with striking blue pollen; late spring to summer
• Wildlife Benefits: Hummingbirds, bumblebees, butterflies, and syrphid flies; helps bridge seasonal nectar gaps

Large-flowered collomia is widely distributed on both sides of the Cascades in Washington, growing in dry, open to lightly wooded areas from lowland valleys to middle mountain elevations. It self-sows readily in full sun and dry, well-drained soil, completing its life cycle efficiently: germinating early, flowering by late spring to early summer, and setting seed before the heat of summer.

An erect, fuzzy, red-to-green stem carries lance-shaped leaves and a tight terminal cluster of sticky buds that open into trumpet-shaped flowers in unusual soft shades of salmon, peach, or pale yellow — with striking deep blue pollen visible on the anthers, a rare color combination in regional wildflowers.

The tubular flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies, while the distinctive blue pollen is a particular draw for bumblebees and sweat bees; syrphid (hover) flies are also frequent visitors. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it helps bridge a seasonal gap in floral resources for pollinators.

Well suited to sunny meadows, open woodland edges, rocky slopes, and restoration plantings, where its self-seeding habit lets it naturalize readily. It makes an easy, low-maintenance addition to a wildflower seed mix and pairs nicely with other dryland annuals and bunchgrasses.