California Strawflower
Collomia grandiflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
California Strawflower (Collomia grandiflora) 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
part shade
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Collomia grandiflora is a compact annual wildflower that produces clusters of tubular orange to salmon-colored blooms throughout summer. This low-growing plant thrives in partial shade with minimal water, making it suitable for naturalized areas and wildlife gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Strawflower 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 lifespan creates gaps in plantings
- Wild appearance may look unkempt to HOAs
- Requires replanting each year for consistent coverage
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. As a native annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does California Strawflower need?
- California Strawflower grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does California Strawflower bloom?
- California Strawflower blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is California Strawflower native?
- California Strawflower (Collomia grandiflora) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California Strawflower attract?
- California Strawflower draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Is California Strawflower HOA-friendly?
- California Strawflower 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 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 Strawflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz