California horkelia
Horkelia californica
Last reviewed: September 2026
California horkelia (Horkelia californica) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw small native bees and flies.
Toxicity unknown
California horkelia (Horkelia californica) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–16" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
small native bees, flies
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A low perennial with soft, fern-like, gray-green leaves forming a basal clump and clusters of small, white, five-petaled flowers on short stalks. Grows on coastal bluffs and dry grassland slopes.
Growing California horkelia
Grow California horkelia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The clustered white flowers provide pollen and nectar for small native bees and flies during the spring bloom.
Common questions
- How much sun does California horkelia need?
- California horkelia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California horkelia bloom?
- California horkelia blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is California horkelia native?
- California horkelia (Horkelia californica) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California horkelia attract?
- California horkelia draws small native bees and flies.
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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California horkelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.