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Beach Pearlwort

Sagina decumbens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Beach Pearlwort (Sagina decumbens)
Photo: (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug

Toxicity unknown

Beach Pearlwort (Sagina decumbens) 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.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

1"–6" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CT and 25 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine BarrensSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Sagina decumbens is a low-growing native groundcover that forms dense mats of small, narrow leaves. This diminutive perennial produces tiny white flowers from May through August and thrives in partially sunny locations with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beach Pearlwort 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 small scale may appear weedy
  • Mat-forming growth can look unkempt
  • Unknown winter appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season from late spring through summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Beach Pearlwort need?
Beach Pearlwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Beach Pearlwort bloom?
Beach Pearlwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Beach Pearlwort native?
Beach Pearlwort (Sagina decumbens) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Beach Pearlwort attract?
Beach Pearlwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Beach Pearlwort HOA-friendly?
Beach Pearlwort 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Beach Pearlwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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