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Beggar's-lice

Hackelia virginiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Beggar's-lice (Hackelia virginiana)
Photo: User:SB_Johnny / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Beggar's-lice (Hackelia virginiana) 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

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, 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

High PlainsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsPiedmontNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Beggar's-lice is a native annual wildflower that produces small blue or white flowers from summer through early fall. The plant gets its common name from the sticky seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur, helping with seed dispersal.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beggar's-lice 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.

  • Seeds stick aggressively to clothing and pets
  • Can look weedy and informal
  • Annual growth creates inconsistent appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, flies, and beetles during its long blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Beggar's-lice need?
Beggar's-lice grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Beggar's-lice bloom?
Beggar's-lice blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Beggar's-lice native?
Beggar's-lice (Hackelia virginiana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Beggar's-lice attract?
Beggar's-lice draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is Beggar's-lice HOA-friendly?
Beggar's-lice 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 Beggar's-lice? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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