Alpine Stitchwort
Minuartia obtusiloba
Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown
Alpine Stitchwort (Minuartia obtusiloba) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–6" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Jun, 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Alpine stitchwort is a tiny, mat-forming perennial that hugs the ground with small white flowers in summer. This diminutive alpine plant forms compact cushions that work well in rock gardens or as groundcover in small areas. It thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Alpine Stitchwort 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 sparse or incomplete
- Alpine plant may struggle in lower elevation heat
- Limited visual impact for front yard landscaping
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. Its compact size limits its overall wildlife value compared to larger native plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Alpine Stitchwort need?
- Alpine Stitchwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Alpine Stitchwort bloom?
- Alpine Stitchwort blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Alpine Stitchwort native?
- Alpine Stitchwort (Minuartia obtusiloba) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Alpine Stitchwort attract?
- Alpine Stitchwort draws bees and beetles.
- Is Alpine Stitchwort HOA-friendly?
- Alpine Stitchwort 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Alpine Stitchwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz