How much sun does Beetberry need?

Beetberry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Beetberry bloom?

Beetberry blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Beetberry native?

Beetberry (Blitum capitatum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Beetberry HOA-friendly?

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

Beetberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Blitum capitatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Beetberry (Blitum capitatum) 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"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 23 more states

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains

Blitum capitatum, commonly known as strawberry blite or Indian paint, is a small annual herb with distinctive red, berry-like flower clusters. This compact native plant grows in a tidy mound and produces edible leaves and colorful fruiting heads throughout summer. It's an excellent choice for adding subtle color and texture to native plant gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beetberry 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.

Annual growth habit creates gaps and bare spots
Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
Low height may look sparse in formal front yard settings

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various beneficial insects including native bees and flies. The red berry-like clusters also provide food for small birds and the leaves serve as host material for certain native moth caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Beetberry need?: Beetberry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Beetberry bloom?: Beetberry blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Beetberry native?: Beetberry (Blitum capitatum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Beetberry HOA-friendly?: Beetberry 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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