How much sun does Beetleweed need?

Beetleweed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Beetleweed bloom?

Beetleweed blooms in May and June.

Where is Beetleweed native?

Beetleweed (Galax urceolata) is native to AL, GA, KY, MD and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Beetleweed attract?

Beetleweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Beetleweed HOA-friendly?

Beetleweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Beetleweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Galax urceolata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Beetleweed (Galax urceolata) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, GA, KY, MD and 6 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 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

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians

Galax is a low-growing evergreen groundcover with glossy, rounded leaves that turn bronze-red in fall and winter. It produces tall spikes of small white flowers in late spring and early summer, creating an elegant carpet effect in shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beetleweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The flower spikes attract bees and beetles during the blooming period. The dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Beetleweed need?: Beetleweed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Beetleweed bloom?: Beetleweed blooms in May and June.
Where is Beetleweed native?: Beetleweed (Galax urceolata) is native to AL, GA, KY, MD and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Beetleweed attract?: Beetleweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Beetleweed HOA-friendly?: Beetleweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

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

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