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Aunt Lucy

Ellisia nyctelea

Last reviewed: June 2026

Aunt Lucy (Ellisia nyctelea)
Photo: Steve Hurst. Provided by ARS Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory. United States, IA. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AR, CO, CT, IA and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains

Aunt Lucy is a delicate native annual wildflower that grows 6-24 inches tall with small white or pale blue flowers from April through June. This modest forb prefers partial shade and medium moisture, making it suitable for woodland gardens or naturalized areas. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed under favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Aunt Lucy 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.

  • Small stature and delicate appearance may look weedy
  • Annual nature means gaps when plants die back
  • Informal wildflower appearance doesn't fit typical landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

This native plant provides nectar and pollen for bees and flies during its spring to early summer bloom period. Its early flowering time makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators when fewer food sources are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Aunt Lucy need?
Aunt Lucy grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Aunt Lucy bloom?
Aunt Lucy blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Aunt Lucy native?
Aunt Lucy (Ellisia nyctelea) is native to AR, CO, CT, IA and 26 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Aunt Lucy attract?
Aunt Lucy draws bees and flies.
Is Aunt Lucy HOA-friendly?
Aunt Lucy 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 Aunt Lucy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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