How much sun does California Mustard need?

California Mustard grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California Mustard bloom?

California Mustard blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is California Mustard native?

California Mustard (Guillenia lasiophylla) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California Mustard attract?

California Mustard draws bees and butterflies.

Is California Mustard HOA-friendly?

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

California Mustard

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Guillenia lasiophylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NM, NV and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A compact annual forb that grows up to 2 feet tall with small yellow flowers appearing in spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun conditions and requires minimal water once established. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Mustard 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 gaps in plantings
Can appear weedy or unkempt
May self-seed unpredictably

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for bees and butterflies during its spring to early summer blooming period. Its flowers are particularly valuable for early-season pollinators when few other food sources may be available.

Common questions

How much sun does California Mustard need?: California Mustard grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California Mustard bloom?: California Mustard blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is California Mustard native?: California Mustard (Guillenia lasiophylla) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California Mustard attract?: California Mustard draws bees and butterflies.
Is California Mustard HOA-friendly?: California Mustard 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.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz