When does Gilia tricolor bloom?

Bird's-eyes blooms from April through June, producing small blue and white flowers with yellow centers.

What pollinators visit Gilia tricolor?

Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Bird's-eyes, attracted to its nectar-rich flowers during the spring blooming period.

Where is Gilia tricolor native?

Bird's-eyes is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities.

What growing conditions does Gilia tricolor prefer?

This California native thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and natural landscapes.

Is Bird's-eyes HOA-friendly?

Bird's-eyes is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Bird's-eyes

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gilia tricolor

Last reviewed: July 2026

Gilia tricolor (Bird's-eyes) is a California native wildflower with distinctive blue and white flowers that bloom from April through June. This drought-tolerant annual thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.

Bird's-eyes (Gilia tricolor) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range

Bird's-eyes is a charming native annual wildflower with delicate lavender to pale purple blooms featuring distinctive yellow and purple centers. It grows in a neat, compact form and produces abundant flowers from spring into early summer. This low-water plant adds soft color and texture to garden beds.

Growing Bird's-eyes

Grow Bird's-eyes in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bird's-eyes is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

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

Annual lifecycle means seasonal replanting or reseeding
May look untidy after blooming period
Best when planted in groups or borders with other complementary plants

Wildlife value

Bird's-eyes is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable spring nectar and pollen when many pollinators are active and foraging.

Common questions

When does Gilia tricolor bloom?: Bird's-eyes blooms from April through June, producing small blue and white flowers with yellow centers.
What pollinators visit Gilia tricolor?: Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Bird's-eyes, attracted to its nectar-rich flowers during the spring blooming period.
Where is Gilia tricolor native?: Bird's-eyes is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities.
What growing conditions does Gilia tricolor prefer?: This California native thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and natural landscapes.
Is Bird's-eyes toxic to dogs?: Bird's-eyes is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Bird's-eyes toxic to cats?: Bird's-eyes is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Bird's-eyes HOA-friendly?: Bird's-eyes is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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 Bird's-eyes? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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