What growing conditions suit Navarretia squarrosa best?

This annual forb does best in full sun with low water once established, often found in open, sunny sites that dry out over the growing season.

When does Navarretia squarrosa bloom?

It typically flowers from May through July, producing small clustered blue to lavender blooms atop stiff, prickly foliage.

What pollinators visit Navarretia squarrosa?

Bees and beetles are the most commonly observed visitors, drawn to the plant's compact summer flower heads.

What does Navarretia squarrosa look like?

It is a low, spreading annual with sharp, spiny leaves and a strong odor, which is why it is commonly called skunkweed or California stinkweed.

Does Navarretia squarrosa need much water once planted?

No, it tolerates low water conditions well and is often found in drier, open habitats that receive minimal irrigation.

Is California Stinkweed HOA-friendly?

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

California Stinkweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Navarretia squarrosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Navarretia squarrosa, also known as skunkweed, is a low, sticky annual forb that blooms from May through July in full sun with little supplemental water, drawing bees and beetles to its small blue flower clusters.

Toxicity unknown

California Stinkweed (Navarretia squarrosa) 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

2"–12" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, MT, OR, PA and 1 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 452 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Northwestern Forested Mountains

Navarretia squarrosa is a small annual wildflower native to western North America, forming low mats of spiky foliage. It produces clusters of tiny blue to purple flowers from May through July and thrives in dry, sunny conditions with minimal water.

Growing California Stinkweed

Grow California Stinkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 12 inches tall and spread 2 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Stinkweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small size makes it appear weedy
Annual nature means gaps in coverage
Spiky, irregular growth habit looks unmanicured

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for native bees and attracts beetles during its spring and early summer blooming period.

Common questions

What growing conditions suit Navarretia squarrosa best?: This annual forb does best in full sun with low water once established, often found in open, sunny sites that dry out over the growing season.
When does Navarretia squarrosa bloom?: It typically flowers from May through July, producing small clustered blue to lavender blooms atop stiff, prickly foliage.
What pollinators visit Navarretia squarrosa?: Bees and beetles are the most commonly observed visitors, drawn to the plant's compact summer flower heads.
What does Navarretia squarrosa look like?: It is a low, spreading annual with sharp, spiny leaves and a strong odor, which is why it is commonly called skunkweed or California stinkweed.
Does Navarretia squarrosa need much water once planted?: No, it tolerates low water conditions well and is often found in drier, open habitats that receive minimal irrigation.
Is California Stinkweed HOA-friendly?: California Stinkweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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