Artillery-plant
Pilea microphylla
Last reviewed: June 2026
Artillery-plant (Pilea microphylla) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AR, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Artillery plant is a small, delicate ground-covering perennial with tiny leaves that create a fine-textured, moss-like appearance. It produces inconspicuous flowers from late spring through fall and spreads to form a low, dense mat. This shade-loving plant works well as a living mulch or filler between larger plants.
In an HOA neighborhood
Artillery-plant 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.
- Can appear weedy or unkempt
- May spread aggressively and look uncontrolled
- Not commonly recognized as an intentional landscape plant
Wildlife value
This plant provides minimal wildlife value, with small flowers that attract few pollinators. It may offer some shelter for small ground-dwelling insects but is not considered a significant wildlife plant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Artillery-plant need?
- Artillery-plant grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Artillery-plant bloom?
- Artillery-plant blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Artillery-plant native?
- Artillery-plant (Pilea microphylla) is native to AR, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Artillery-plant toxic to dogs?
- Artillery-plant is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Artillery-plant toxic to cats?
- Artillery-plant is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Artillery-plant HOA-friendly?
- Artillery-plant 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 Artillery-plant? 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