Beggar's-lice
Hackelia virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz