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Big-leaf Sandwort

Moehringia macrophylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

Big-leaf Sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla)
Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

Ready to grow Big-leaf Sandwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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