How much sun does Alpine Kittentails need?

Alpine Kittentails grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Alpine Kittentails bloom?

Alpine Kittentails blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Alpine Kittentails native?

Alpine Kittentails (Synthyris alpina) is native to CO, NM, UT, WY, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Alpine Kittentails attract?

Alpine Kittentails draws bees and flies.

Is Alpine Kittentails HOA-friendly?

Alpine Kittentails is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Alpine Kittentails

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Synthyris alpina

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Kittentails (Synthyris alpina) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, NM, UT, WY

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies

Synthyris alpina is a compact alpine perennial that forms small, tidy mounds of foliage with delicate flower spikes. This diminutive plant produces small purple or blue flowers from May through July and thrives in partial sun with moderate water. Its low, controlled growth habit makes it suitable for rock gardens and small-scale plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alpine Kittentails is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for bees and flies during its late spring to summer bloom period. Its compact size makes it particularly valuable for small pollinators in alpine and montane ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Kittentails need?: Alpine Kittentails grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Alpine Kittentails bloom?: Alpine Kittentails blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Alpine Kittentails native?: Alpine Kittentails (Synthyris alpina) is native to CO, NM, UT, WY, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Alpine Kittentails attract?: Alpine Kittentails draws bees and flies.
Is Alpine Kittentails HOA-friendly?: Alpine Kittentails is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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