How much sun does Alpine Pearlwort need?

Alpine Pearlwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Alpine Pearlwort bloom?

Alpine Pearlwort blooms in July and August.

Where is Alpine Pearlwort native?

Alpine Pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Alpine Pearlwort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alpine Pearlwort as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Alpine Pearlwort attract?

Alpine Pearlwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Alpine Pearlwort HOA-friendly?

Alpine Pearlwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Alpine Pearlwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sagina saginoides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Alpine Pearlwort as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

1"–4" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies

Alpine pearlwort is a tiny, cushion-forming perennial that creates dense mats of fine, needle-like evergreen foliage. It produces small white flowers in summer and stays very low to the ground, making it useful as a groundcover between stepping stones or in rock gardens. This mountain native thrives in cooler, partially shaded spots with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alpine Pearlwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely small size may appear as weeds or moss
Unconventional appearance for typical landscaping
May go unnoticed or be mistaken for lawn problems

Wildlife value

Provides nectar for small bees and beetles during its July and August bloom period. Its low, dense growth habit can offer shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Pearlwort need?: Alpine Pearlwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Alpine Pearlwort bloom?: Alpine Pearlwort blooms in July and August.
Where is Alpine Pearlwort native?: Alpine Pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Alpine Pearlwort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alpine Pearlwort as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Alpine Pearlwort attract?: Alpine Pearlwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Alpine Pearlwort HOA-friendly?: Alpine Pearlwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Ready to grow Alpine Pearlwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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