California Caltrop
Kallstroemia californica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low-growing annual wildflower that forms spreading mats with small orange or yellow flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and blooms throughout the summer months. This drought-tolerant plant works well as seasonal ground cover in arid landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Caltrop takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates bare spots when plants die
- Low spreading growth can appear weedy
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
The bright flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides some ground-level habitat for small desert wildlife.
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.
Does California Caltrop fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.