Make a wish on wishbone

Found on dry slopes and stony washes in coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities, wishbone bush (Mirabilis laevis) is a wonder to behold. Belonging to the genus Mirabilis, which in English translates to “wonderful” or “miraculous”, this beautiful flower miraculously blooms on Ojai’s hot, south-facing slopes.

Fun fact: the plant’s common name “wishbone bush” is derived from the plant’s forked stems that resemble the furcula, a little fork shaped bone found in birds that is formed by the fusion of two clavicles.

In early spring, watch for wishbone blooming throughout the Valley View Preserve, painting the hillsides with its vibrant magenta flowers. This wood stemmed perennial is primarily pollinated at night and its flowers tend to open up mid-afternoon, but it can also be found flowering in the early morning. Wishbone bush makes for great ground cover and has a long bloom period lasting from December to July. Consider adding wishbone bush to your yard and bring the beauty of OVLC preserves to your backyard!