How much sun does California Caltrop need?

California Caltrop grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California Caltrop bloom?

California Caltrop blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is California Caltrop native?

California Caltrop (Kallstroemia californica) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California Caltrop attract?

California Caltrop draws bees and beetles.

Is California Caltrop HOA-friendly?

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

California Caltrop

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Kallstroemia californica

Last reviewed: August 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

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Southern Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does California Caltrop need?: California Caltrop grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California Caltrop bloom?: California Caltrop blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is California Caltrop native?: California Caltrop (Kallstroemia californica) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California Caltrop attract?: California Caltrop draws bees and beetles.
Is California Caltrop HOA-friendly?: California Caltrop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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