St. Catherine’s Lace (Eriogonum giganteum)
Native Plants A-Z
St. Catherine’s Lace
Eriogonum giganteum
KEY DETAILS
Plant Type
- Evergreen shrub
Light
- Full sun; tolerates reflected heat and wind-exposed sites.
Soil
- Prefers well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, or gravelly slopes.
- In clay soils, success is possible if planted on a slope or berm for improved drainage.
- In native plant/habitat gardens, clay soils may be loosened or amended to improve drainage and help young plants establish deep roots.
Size
- In SLV conditions, typically 4–6 ft tall and wide, forming large, rounded mounds topped with broad, lacy flower clusters.
- Growth rate is moderate to slow.
- Often takes 2–3 years to become established.
- It may take 5+ years to reach mature size in SLV conditions.
- Unlike faster shrubs such as Ceanothus or Coyote Brush, it develops gradually.
- Long-lived, often lasting for decades if not overwatered.
- Gardeners describe it as “worth the wait,” since with age it becomes a dramatic focal shrub.
Bloom Time
- Late spring into summer.
- Broad white flower clusters support pollinators.
- Dried rust-colored seed heads persist through fall and winter, adding structure and bird seed.
Sun Exposures per day
Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sun
Part shade: 3-4 hours of direct sun
Part Sun: 5–6 hours of direct sun
Full Sun: Receives 6+ hours of direct sun