Beach-heath
Hudsonia tomentosa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Beach-heath is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to eastern North America from Maine to South Carolina. It produces bright yellow flowers in May and June and thrives in sandy, well-drained soils.
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
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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
- Where does Beach-heath naturally grow?
- Hudsonia tomentosa is native to 25 states across eastern North America, from Maine south to South Carolina and west to Minnesota and Iowa. It typically grows in sandy coastal areas, dunes, and dry inland sites.
- When does Beach-heath bloom?
- Beach-heath produces its characteristic bright yellow flowers during May and June. The blooms are small but numerous, creating a showy display across the low shrub.
- What pollinators visit Beach-heath?
- Beach-heath flowers attract various bees and beetles. The plant's abundant spring blooms provide an important nectar source for these insects in sandy coastal and inland habitats.
- What growing conditions does Beach-heath prefer?
- This shrub requires full sun and well-drained, sandy soils with low water availability. It is well-adapted to harsh conditions including salt spray, drought, and nutrient-poor soils.
- 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.
Ready to grow Beach-heath? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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