When does California hedgenettle bloom?

California hedgenettle blooms from May through July, producing small whorled flowers in shades of pink to lavender along upright stems.

How much light does California hedgenettle need?

This forb does best in part sun, and it also tolerates part shade to full shade, making it useful for the dappled light under coastal scrub or oak canopy.

How much water does California hedgenettle require?

California hedgenettle is a low water plant once established, though it can handle occasional medium moisture, especially in well drained soil.

What pollinators visit California hedgenettle?

Bees and butterflies regularly visit the flowers of California hedgenettle for nectar during its spring and early summer bloom period.

What growth form does California hedgenettle have?

It grows as a forb, an herbaceous perennial with soft stems rather than woody growth, spreading gradually in favorable garden conditions.

Is California Hedgenettle HOA-friendly?

California Hedgenettle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

California Hedgenettle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stachys bullata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Stachys bullata, or California hedgenettle, is a low water forb that produces pink to lavender flower whorls from May through July. It suits part sun to shady spots in coastal sage scrub and woodland gardens.

California Hedgenettle (Stachys bullata) 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

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Stachys bullata is a medium-sized native perennial with soft, fuzzy leaves and lavender to pink flower spikes. It forms a rounded mound with year-round foliage and blooms throughout late spring and summer. This low-water plant adds texture and color to partially shaded garden spots.

Growing California Hedgenettle

Grow California Hedgenettle in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Hedgenettle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Can spread somewhat informally if not maintained
May look slightly unkempt without occasional trimming
Not as recognizable as common landscape plants

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it an excellent pollinator plant. Native bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich blooms.

Common questions

When does California hedgenettle bloom?: California hedgenettle blooms from May through July, producing small whorled flowers in shades of pink to lavender along upright stems.
How much light does California hedgenettle need?: This forb does best in part sun, and it also tolerates part shade to full shade, making it useful for the dappled light under coastal scrub or oak canopy.
How much water does California hedgenettle require?: California hedgenettle is a low water plant once established, though it can handle occasional medium moisture, especially in well drained soil.
What pollinators visit California hedgenettle?: Bees and butterflies regularly visit the flowers of California hedgenettle for nectar during its spring and early summer bloom period.
What growth form does California hedgenettle have?: It grows as a forb, an herbaceous perennial with soft stems rather than woody growth, spreading gradually in favorable garden conditions.
Is California Hedgenettle toxic to dogs?: California Hedgenettle is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is California Hedgenettle toxic to cats?: California Hedgenettle is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is California Hedgenettle HOA-friendly?: California Hedgenettle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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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