Skeleton Plant
IOverview
Overview
Skeleton Plant, Lygodesmia grandiflora, is a perennial herb native to the western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions, growing up to 0.6 meters tall. Known for its delicate, leafy structure, it earned the name "Skeleton Plant." The leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to salads or steamed as a green vegetable. While primarily ornamental and useful as a food source in its native range, Skeleton Plant is not known for medicinal properties. Its distinctive, airy appearance and edible leaves make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes in its native habitat.
What is Skeleton Plant?
Skeleton Plant, Lygodesmia grandiflora, is a perennial herb native to the western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions, growing up to 0.
VCultivation
Cultivation
How to grow Skeleton Plant for the first time
Start with Skeleton Plant as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Skeleton Plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with sand mixed in. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery, or sow seeds directly into the ground after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in spring to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged parts as needed throughout the growing season to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soils, and neglecting to prune are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedIXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
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