How much sun does California Loosestrife need?

California Loosestrife grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California Loosestrife bloom?

California Loosestrife blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is California Loosestrife native?

California Loosestrife (Lythrum californicum) is native to AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does California Loosestrife attract?

California Loosestrife draws butterflies, bees, moths, and nectar insects.

Is California Loosestrife HOA-friendly?

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

California Loosestrife

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lythrum californicum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–60" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, moths, nectar insects

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

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

California Loosestrife is a tall, slender perennial wildflower that produces spikes of small pink to purple flowers from spring through fall. This native plant forms upright clumps and goes dormant in winter, making it ideal for naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Loosestrife is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

May flop without support
Best in less formal zones

Wildlife value

Excellent pollinator plant that attracts butterflies, bees, moths, and other nectar-seeking insects with its long blooming season. The extended flowering period from March through November provides consistent nectar sources when many other plants are not blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does California Loosestrife need?: California Loosestrife grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California Loosestrife bloom?: California Loosestrife blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is California Loosestrife native?: California Loosestrife (Lythrum californicum) is native to AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does California Loosestrife attract?: California Loosestrife draws butterflies, bees, moths, and nectar insects.
Is California Loosestrife HOA-friendly?: California Loosestrife is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow California Loosestrife? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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