How much sun does Big-leaf Sandwort need?

Big-leaf Sandwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Big-leaf Sandwort bloom?

Big-leaf Sandwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Big-leaf Sandwort native?

Big-leaf Sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Big-leaf Sandwort attract?

Big-leaf Sandwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Big-leaf Sandwort HOA-friendly?

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

Big-leaf Sandwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Moehringia macrophylla

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Big-leaf Sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla) 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, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, CT, ID and 10 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts

Big-leaf sandwort is a low-growing native perennial that forms neat clumps of broad, oval leaves. It produces small white flowers from May through July and thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture. This compact groundcover maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the spring and early summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it suitable for small-scale pollinator support in residential gardens.

Common questions

How much sun does Big-leaf Sandwort need?: Big-leaf Sandwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Big-leaf Sandwort bloom?: Big-leaf Sandwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Big-leaf Sandwort native?: Big-leaf Sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Big-leaf Sandwort attract?: Big-leaf Sandwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Big-leaf Sandwort HOA-friendly?: Big-leaf Sandwort 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

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