How much sun does Bird'S-Eye need?

Bird'S-Eye grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Bird'S-Eye bloom?

Bird'S-Eye blooms in May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

What pollinators does Bird'S-Eye attract?

Bird'S-Eye draws bees and flies.

Is Bird'S-Eye HOA-friendly?

Bird'S-Eye takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bird'S-Eye

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Anagallis arvensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bird'S-Eye (Anagallis arvensis) 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

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Bird'S-Eye

Bird'S-Eye is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Scarlet pimpernel is a low-growing annual wildflower with small, bright orange or red flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. This European native has become naturalized across North America and forms small mats of delicate foliage with tiny star-shaped blooms. The flowers are known for closing on cloudy days, earning it the nickname 'poor man's weatherglass.'

In an HOA neighborhood

Bird'S-Eye 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.

Often considered a weed in lawns and gardens
Very small flowers may appear messy or unkempt
Self-seeds readily and can spread unpredictably

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and flies during its extended blooming period from May through November.

Common questions

How much sun does Bird'S-Eye need?: Bird'S-Eye grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bird'S-Eye bloom?: Bird'S-Eye blooms in May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
What pollinators does Bird'S-Eye attract?: Bird'S-Eye draws bees and flies.
Is Bird'S-Eye HOA-friendly?: Bird'S-Eye takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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Ready to grow Bird'S-Eye? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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