Beach primrose
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Beach primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and moths.
Toxicity unknown
Beach primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–8" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, moths
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, sprawling mat-forming perennial of sandy dunes with silvery, hairy leaves and bright yellow cup-shaped flowers that open at the plant's edges through most of the growing season. It spreads informally rather than staying in a tidy clump.
Growing Beach primrose
Grow Beach primrose in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 8 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for white-lined sphinx moth.
Evening-opening flowers are visited by moths as well as day-flying bees, and the foliage supports white-lined sphinx moth caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Beach primrose need?
- Beach primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Beach primrose bloom?
- Beach primrose blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Beach primrose native?
- Beach primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Beach primrose host?
- Beach primrose is a larval host plant for white-lined sphinx moth.
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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Beach primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.