Barbara's Buttons
Marshallia caespitosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Marshallia caespitosa (Barbara's Buttons) is a native wildflower blooming March through May across Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. This drought-tolerant forb attracts butterflies and bees with its distinctive white button-like flowers.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
9"–18" H × 60"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AR, KS, LA, MO and 2 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Barbara's Buttons produces cheerful white, button-like flowers on compact mounds of foliage during spring months. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps that work well in sunny garden beds and requires minimal water once established.
Growing Barbara's Buttons
Grow Barbara's Buttons in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 9 to 18 inches tall and spread 60 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Barbara's Buttons is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The distinctive white blooms attract butterflies and native bees during the spring flowering period. This native Texas wildflower provides important early-season nectar when few other plants are blooming.
Common questions
- When does Marshallia caespitosa bloom?
- Barbara's Buttons typically blooms from March through May, producing clusters of small white flowers that resemble buttons.
- Where is Marshallia caespitosa native?
- This wildflower is native to the south-central United States, including Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- What pollinators visit Barbara's Buttons?
- Marshallia caespitosa attracts various butterflies and native bees, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens in its native range.
- What growing conditions does Marshallia caespitosa prefer?
- Barbara's Buttons thrives in full sun locations with well-draining soils and low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and native plant gardens.
- Is Barbara's Buttons HOA-friendly?
- Barbara's Buttons is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Does Barbara's Buttons fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.