Beetleweed
Galax urceolata
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
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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