Chinese houses

Collinsia heterophylla

Distinct native annual with bicolored purple and speckled white petals, blooming February to June. Prefers fertile, well-drained, moist soils. Endemic to California. Occurs in forest understories, meadows and wet areas; below 5,000 ft. elevation. Pioneer species after disturbances and wildfire. Use in habitat restoration and in shady gardens beyond its native range. Reseeds easily. The most favorite early-season pollen and nectar source of Blue orchard bees, an important native pollinator of almond orchards. Also a larval host plant for the Checkerspot butterfly and a pollen source for a variety of native bees.