Calandrinia menziesii - Red Maids, Fringed Red Maids

Calandrinia menziesii is a low growing colorful annual herb. Calandrinia menziesii is native to California as well as into New Mexico and up to British Columbia. Calandrinia menziesii is the proper name for Red Maids or Fringed Red Maids. The old name Calandrinia ciliata is still widly used in the marketplace and in wildflower manuals. Red Maids grow in grassy or disturbed areas. They grow from 4-8" tall and up to a foot or more wide. The magenta red flowers are open during the day but close at night and stay closed well into morning. All parts of the Red Maids are edible from the roots to the succulent leaves and flowers and seeds. Calandrinia menziesii blooms in late Winter into Early Spring in Southern California and later as you move north. Calandrinia menziesii is an excellent addition to the wildflower garden, seeds are easy to start. Plant in Fall with the first of the rains.