What growing conditions does Apache-beads need?

Apache-beads does best in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, often in alkaline or saline seeps, marsh edges, and streambanks where its rhizomes can spread.

When does Anemopsis californica bloom?

It typically flowers from May through September, producing small white flower spikes surrounded by petal-like white bracts.

What pollinators visit Anemopsis californica?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles commonly visit the flowers of this plant for nectar and pollen.

Does Apache-beads die back in winter?

Yes, the above-ground foliage typically dies back after the growing season, and the plant regrows from spreading rhizomes each spring.

Is Apache-beads toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Apache-beads as toxic to livestock.

Is Apache-beads HOA-friendly?

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

Apache-beads

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Anemopsis californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Anemopsis californica, called yerba mansa or Apache-beads, grows in wet, alkaline meadows, seeps, and streambanks across the Southwest, blooming from May through September in full sun.

Toxicity unknown

Apache-beads (Anemopsis californica) 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 Apache-beads as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Apache-beads is a low-growing perennial that produces distinctive white cone-shaped flowers surrounded by white bracts from late spring through fall. This spreading groundcover has aromatic leaves and thrives in moist conditions, making it suitable for irrigated garden areas.

Growing Apache-beads

Grow Apache-beads in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Aggressive spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
Unusual flower form may look weedy to some
Unknown leaf retention creates seasonal appearance uncertainty

Wildlife value

The long blooming period from May through September provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles. Its dense growth habit can also provide shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

What growing conditions does Apache-beads need?: Apache-beads does best in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, often in alkaline or saline seeps, marsh edges, and streambanks where its rhizomes can spread.
When does Anemopsis californica bloom?: It typically flowers from May through September, producing small white flower spikes surrounded by petal-like white bracts.
What pollinators visit Anemopsis californica?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles commonly visit the flowers of this plant for nectar and pollen.
Does Apache-beads die back in winter?: Yes, the above-ground foliage typically dies back after the growing season, and the plant regrows from spreading rhizomes each spring.
Is Apache-beads toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Apache-beads as toxic to livestock.
Is Apache-beads HOA-friendly?: Apache-beads takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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