Thelesperma burridgeanum (syn. Cosmidium burridgeanum)

This stunning greenthread species (also known as Navajo tea) is native to Texas and northern Mexico and is remarkably adaptable. Given full sun, it thrives in a wide range of soil types. Plants bloom generously from summer until frost, offering a steady supply of nectar and pollen for native insects. In our own plantings, we witnessed cuckoo bees sleeping in the Cosmidium patch (pictured), gripping the stems with their jaws, an an unexpected moment that we have never witnessed in our crops.

Like its close botanical cousin Thelesperma filifolium, brunette cosmidium is a generous dye plant. The flowers yield rich oranges and rust tones on wool, while cotton takes on warm orange-browns, rusts, and deep chocolate hues. The stems and leaves also contain dye, and the plant’s two-toned blooms bring beautiful contrast and clarity to ecoprints.

Direct sow in late spring, or transplant after the last frost. Thin to 12" spacing. With average water, plants grow full and bushy. This plant is a wonderful addition to a pollinator or dye garden.

Packet: 100 seeds