Rock Harlequin (Capnoides sempervirens)

Rock Harlequin (Capnoides sempervirens)
Grace your garden’s rock crevices and gravel patches with this delicate biennial—its lacy, blue‑green foliage and dangling clusters of pink tubular flowers tipped in yellow add a soft pop of colour where little else will grow. A true opportunist, it often shows up after fire or disturbance, quietly weaving itself into the mosaic of early succession.
 
Characteristics
Type: Annual or biennial
Height: 8–32 inches (20–80 cm)
Blooms: May through September
Bloom Colour: Pink with yellow tips
Growth Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Dry, acidic, very well‑drained
Habitat: Rocky woodlands, exposed outcrops, sandy slopes, and recently burned or disturbed sites
Associates
Danthonia spicata (Poverty Oat Grass)
Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)
Solidago ptarmacoides(Upland White)
Antennaria spp. (Pussytoes)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
 
Status in Ontario
Native and secure (NatureServe S5; no COSEWIC concerns)
 
Why It Works
As a pioneer on poor, shallow soils and freshly disturbed ground, Rock Harlequin establishes quickly without crowding out other species. It plays a supportive role in novel ecosystems and restoration projects, especially in tough sites with dry, sandy, or rocky conditions. In a changing world, where adaptability is key—this is a quiet but brilliant performer. Because plants have no borders, and resilience is beautiful. 🌱