Description

PIne Hill fremontia is named for the region in Placer County where its main population is found. The Pine Hill Preserve is home to other rare plants, several of which are endemic to the area. These include the Pine Hill ceanothus, Ceanothus roderickii, and El Dorado mule ears, Wyethia reticulata. The soil in this area is quite distinct, which has fostered a plant community found nowhere else. Pine Hill fremontia is said to grow in sandy washes. It has a mounding, spreading habit, unlike the tall, rounded habit of California’s other two fremontia species. The small stature makes it attractive for small gardens, and has motivated its use as a parent plant for hybrids such as ‘Ken Taylor’ and ‘Dara’s Gold.’ The flowers are about two inches in diameter and are often predominantly orange. Plant this rare native in partial shade in well-draining soil.