What kind of habitat does Hudsonia tomentosa grow in?

Hudsonia tomentosa grows in open, sandy places such as coastal dunes, sandplains, and dry barrens where taller vegetation is sparse and soils drain quickly.

When does Hudsonia tomentosa bloom?

Hudsonia tomentosa produces small yellow flowers in May and June, a short but showy bloom period typical of this low shrub.

What pollinators visit Hudsonia tomentosa?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Hudsonia tomentosa flowers, attracted to the mass of small yellow blooms that open in late spring.

What light and water conditions does Hudsonia tomentosa need?

Hudsonia tomentosa needs full sun and low-moisture, well-drained soil, matching its natural adaptation to dry, sandy ground.

Is Beach-heath toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Beach-heath as toxic to livestock.

Is Beach-heath HOA-friendly?

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

Beach-heath

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hudsonia tomentosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Hudsonia tomentosa is a low, mat-forming shrub with silvery-gray foliage and small yellow flowers in May and June. It thrives in full sun on dry, sandy sites such as dunes and open barrens.

Toxicity unknown

Beach-heath (Hudsonia tomentosa) 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 Beach-heath as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

3"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Beach-heath is a low-growing evergreen shrub that forms dense, cushiony mats of small gray-green leaves. In late spring it produces masses of small bright yellow flowers that create a cheerful carpet of color. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sandy soils and full sun conditions.

Growing Beach-heath

Grow Beach-heath in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 3 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beach-heath 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 low growth creates informal groundcover appearance
Gray-green foliage may appear sparse or wild to traditional landscaping expectations
Specialized coastal plant may look out of place in typical suburban settings

Wildlife value

The abundant spring flowers attract native bees and beetles during the May-June bloom period. The dense mat structure can provide shelter for small ground-dwelling beneficial insects.

Common questions

What kind of habitat does Hudsonia tomentosa grow in?: Hudsonia tomentosa grows in open, sandy places such as coastal dunes, sandplains, and dry barrens where taller vegetation is sparse and soils drain quickly.
When does Hudsonia tomentosa bloom?: Hudsonia tomentosa produces small yellow flowers in May and June, a short but showy bloom period typical of this low shrub.
What pollinators visit Hudsonia tomentosa?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Hudsonia tomentosa flowers, attracted to the mass of small yellow blooms that open in late spring.
What light and water conditions does Hudsonia tomentosa need?: Hudsonia tomentosa needs full sun and low-moisture, well-drained soil, matching its natural adaptation to dry, sandy ground.
Is Beach-heath toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Beach-heath as toxic to livestock.
Is Beach-heath HOA-friendly?: Beach-heath 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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