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Intricate close-up of Fringecup flowers (Tellima grandiflora). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon
Several flower stalks of fringecup (Tellima grandiflora). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon
Close up of a flower stalk of fringecup (Tellima grandiflora) decorated with tiny flowers. Another stunning Pacific Northwest wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery, Portland, Oregon.Several flower stalks of fringecup (Tellima grandiflora). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon
Flowering growth habit of fringecup (Tellima grandiflora) in the habitat garden. Another stunning Pacific Northwest wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery, Portland, Oregon
Several fringecup (Tellima grandiflora) plants along the border of a garden bed. Another stunning Pacific Northwest wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery, Portland, Oregon.
Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora) plants in the wild. Another stunning Pacific Northwest wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery, Portland, Oregon.
Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora) plants in the wild. Another stunning Pacific Northwest wildflower available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery, Portland, Oregon.

Fringecup

Tellima grandiflora

Fringecup is an easy-to-grow, perennial wildflower that is bound to delight hummingbirds and gardeners alike. Its fuzzy mounds of broad, lime green leaves create a groundcover that will gently fill in the lowest layer of partial to full shade gardens and woodland edges. In spring, delicate flowering stems lightly stand about two feet tall and are decorated by dozens of tiny urn-shaped flowers that range from creamy white, to pink, to green. Grab a jeweler's loop to marvel at the intricate flower parts, including the petal fringe from which it's named.  

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 24-30" tall (flowering stalks, foliage much shorter), 18-24" wide
  • Light requirements: part-sun/part-shade, full shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil
  • Bloom time: April - July (April - June in the Portland Metro area)
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and support hummingbirds, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and other pest eating insects
  • Native habitat/range: commonly grows in clearings, roadsides, moist forests, glades and streambanks, below the treeline, from Alasks to California and east to northern Idaho and western Montana. In Oregon and Washinton, it is primarily found west of the Cascades. Portland Plant List - yes.
  • Special features & uses: landscape uses include pollinator gardens, woodland gardens and erosion control; the Skagit tribe traditionally uses a decoction of pounded plants to restore appetite and treat other ailments

Gardening with Fringecup: Fringecup is an effortless groundcover that establishes well in disturbed, shady soils. Though it prefers moist areas, once established, it tolerates seasonal dryness quite nicely. It can spread on its own via seed and runners to create patches of groundcover that can outcompete other weeds - but are very easy to manage if that’s not the effect you desire. They transplant well, either around your garden or gifted to friends. Fringecup leaves can be susceptible to powderey mildew. Simply pinch off infected leaves and put them in your curbside compost, ensure ample air circulation around the plant, and take steps to improve overall plant health such as providing deep/infrequent water in the driest locations. 

Photo Credit 1 (flowers, closeup): "Tellima Grandiflora Fringecup, San Juan Islands" by BLM Oregon & Washington is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Photo Credit 2 (flower stalks): "Tellima grandiflora “Fringe Cups”" by FarOutFlora is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Photo Credit 3 (flower stalk): Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credit 4 (flowering habit, in the garden): Tracy Cozine, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credit 5 (garden edge): "Tellima grandiflora" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Photo Credit 6 & 7 (in the wild): © John Brew, some rights reserved (CC-BY)