Heartleaf Keckiella
Keckiella cordifolia · Plantaginaceae
- Form
- Shrub-vine
- Height
- 3-8 ft
- Sun
- Part Shade
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul
- Pet toxicity
- Unknown
- Habitat
- Chaparral · Oak Woodland · Riparian
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Chaparral, Oak Woodland, canyon edges
- Form / size: Loose climbing shrub, 3-8 ft
- Sun: Part shade to filtered sun · Water: Low once established
- Blooms: Spring-summer · Pollinator value: High
Description
A sprawling, climbing native shrub with heart-shaped leaves and red-orange tubular flowers. It often leans through other shrubs along shaded canyon and chaparral edges.
Wildlife & pollinators
Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to the tubular flowers. Native bees may also visit.
Habitat & range
Chaparral, oak woodland, shaded slopes, riparian margins, and canyon edges in coastal Southern California.
In the garden
Excellent for habitat gardens where it can weave through a support shrub or informal trellis. Give it shade from the hottest sun.
Propagation
From cuttings or seed. Cuttings are practical for garden forms; seed may need seasonal cues.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Shaded chaparral edges, canyons, and oak woodland margins.
Problems
May look rangy without something to lean on. Avoid heavy summer irrigation.
Sources
Commonly confused with
Scarlet Monkeyflower 🌿 Erythranthe cardinalis soft wetland herb; heartleaf keckiella is woody and climbing. 🌿 Penstemons similar tubular flowers, but keckiella is shrub-like and often scrambles through other vegetation.
