How much sun does Big deervetch need?

Big deervetch grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Big deervetch bloom?

Big deervetch blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Big deervetch native?

Big deervetch (Hosackia crassifolia) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Big deervetch attract?

Big deervetch draws native bees and bumble bees.

Big deervetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hosackia crassifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Big deervetch (Hosackia crassifolia) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and bumble bees.

Toxicity unknown

Big deervetch (Hosackia crassifolia) 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

24"–48" H × 18"–36" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

native bees, bumble bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

An upright perennial with divided leaves and clusters of pea-shaped flowers that open cream and age to purple. It grows along woodland edges and shaded slopes, forming loose clumps.

Growing Big deervetch

Grow Big deervetch in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The pea-like flowers are pollinated primarily by bumble bees and other native bees able to trip the flower's mechanism.

Common questions

How much sun does Big deervetch need?: Big deervetch grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Big deervetch bloom?: Big deervetch blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Big deervetch native?: Big deervetch (Hosackia crassifolia) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Big deervetch attract?: Big deervetch draws native bees and bumble bees.

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.

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