How much sun does Bolander's woodland-star need?

Bolander's woodland-star grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Bolander's woodland-star bloom?

Bolander's woodland-star blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Bolander's woodland-star native?

Bolander's woodland-star (Lithophragma bolanderi) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bolander's woodland-star attract?

Bolander's woodland-star draws bees and moths.

Bolander's woodland-star

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lithophragma bolanderi

Last reviewed: September 2026

Bolander's woodland-star (Lithophragma bolanderi) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and moths.

Toxicity unknown

Bolander's woodland-star (Lithophragma bolanderi) 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"–16" H × 6"–10" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

bees, moths

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A slender spring wildflower with a basal rosette of lobed leaves and airy stalks of small white to pink star-shaped flowers. It goes fully dormant after a short spring bloom period on grassy or wooded slopes.

Growing Bolander's woodland-star

Grow Bolander's woodland-star in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 6 to 10 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The flowers have a well-documented pollination relationship with small Greya moths in addition to native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Bolander's woodland-star need?: Bolander's woodland-star grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bolander's woodland-star bloom?: Bolander's woodland-star blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Bolander's woodland-star native?: Bolander's woodland-star (Lithophragma bolanderi) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bolander's woodland-star attract?: Bolander's woodland-star draws bees and moths.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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