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Alpine Stitchwort

Minuartia obtusiloba

Last reviewed: June 2026

Alpine Stitchwort (Minuartia obtusiloba)
Photo: Philippe.pechoux / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

NM

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse 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 NM, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz