Alva Day'S Pincushionplant
Navarretia sinistra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, NV, OR
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Navarretia sinistra is a small annual wildflower that forms compact, low-growing clumps in spring and summer. It produces delicate blooms from May through July and requires minimal water once established. As an annual, it completes its lifecycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Alva Day'S Pincushionplant 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.
- Very small size may appear sparse in maintained landscapes
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die back
- Native wildflower appearance may be perceived as weedy
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar and pollen for native bees during its blooming period from late spring through summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Alva Day'S Pincushionplant need?
- Alva Day'S Pincushionplant grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Alva Day'S Pincushionplant bloom?
- Alva Day'S Pincushionplant blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Alva Day'S Pincushionplant native?
- Alva Day'S Pincushionplant (Navarretia sinistra) is native to CA, CO, NV, OR, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Alva Day'S Pincushionplant attract?
- Alva Day'S Pincushionplant draws bees.
- Is Alva Day'S Pincushionplant HOA-friendly?
- Alva Day'S Pincushionplant 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 Alva Day'S Pincushionplant? 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