How much sun does American Columbo need?

American Columbo grows best in part sun conditions.

When does American Columbo bloom?

American Columbo blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is American Columbo native?

American Columbo (Frasera caroliniensis) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does American Columbo attract?

American Columbo draws bees and beetles.

Is American Columbo HOA-friendly?

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

American Columbo

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Frasera caroliniensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Columbo (Frasera caroliniensis) 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

24"–72" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IL and 14 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Southeastern Plains Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

American columbo is a tall biennial wildflower that produces an impressive flowering spike reaching up to 6 feet tall. It blooms with clusters of small greenish-white flowers from May through July before completing its two-year life cycle. This native plant prefers partial sun and average moisture conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Columbo 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 tall growth may appear wild or unkempt
Biennial lifecycle creates gaps when plants die after flowering
Uncommon appearance may be seen as weedy by neighbors

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees and beetles during its extended summer bloom period. As a native species, it provides important ecological value for local wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does American Columbo need?: American Columbo grows best in part sun conditions.
When does American Columbo bloom?: American Columbo blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is American Columbo native?: American Columbo (Frasera caroliniensis) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does American Columbo attract?: American Columbo draws bees and beetles.
Is American Columbo HOA-friendly?: American Columbo 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.

See all plant problem guides

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