Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 40.625100
    [lng] => -74.238300
    [elevation] => 2
    [rainfall] => 1232.4322
    [cold_temperature] => -5.2596
    [temperature] => 30.3404
    [user_eto] => 966.37613984
)
Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 1321
    [eto_corrected] => 1441
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.3629424
)
Doublehorn Calicoflower (Downingia bicornuta) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Doublehorn Calicoflower

(Downingia bicornuta)

Doublehorn Calicoflower (Downingia bicornuta)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Linden, New Jersey

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
Precipitation 7" - 66" 49" Aquatic Aquatic
High Temp. 75°F - 102°F 87°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
Low Temp. 6°F - 39°F 23°F Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant Excellent
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.

Summary

Downingia bicornuta, commonly known as doublehorn calicoflower or double-horned downingia, is an annual herb native to vernal pools and wet meadows in the western United States, particularly in California and Oregon, extending to Idaho. It typically grows to a height of 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) with a branching erect stem and small, linear leaves. The plant is known for its striking flowers, which are 0 to 1 inch wide, featuring two prominent horn-like spurs. The flowers have blue or purple upper lobes and blue or purple lower lobes with bright yellow blotches rimmed with white, blooming from late spring to early summer. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule 1 to 3 inches long, releasing seeds when mature.

Doublehorn calicoflower is appreciated for its showy flowers that add a splash of color to wetland areas in gardens and naturalized settings. It is often used in native plant gardens, restoration projects, and as an ornamental in water features or bog gardens. Downingia bicornuta prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It is adapted to the seasonal wet-dry cycles of its native habitat and can tolerate temporary flooding. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it may require supplemental water in gardens to mimic its natural wetland conditions. There are no major disease or pest issues associated with this plant, but it may be outcompeted by more aggressive species if not managed properly. It is not known to be invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Vernal pools and wet meadows in the western United States, particularly in California and Oregon, extending to Idaho

Other Names

Common Names: Two-Horned Downingia, Doublehorn Calicoflower

Scientific Names: Downingia bicornuta, Bolelia bicornuta, Downingia bicornuta var. bicornuta, Downingia bicornuta var. picta, Downingia sikota

GBIF Accepted Name: Downingia bicornuta