How much sun does California tea need?

California tea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does California tea bloom?

California tea blooms in June and July.

Where is California tea native?

California tea (Rupertia physodes) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

California tea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rupertia physodes

Last reviewed: October 2026

California tea (Rupertia physodes) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, OR, WA. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

California tea (Rupertia physodes) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

An upright perennial with three-parted leaves that carry a distinct tea-like fragrance when crushed. Small white to lavender pea-shaped flowers appear in loose spikes in early summer.

Growing California tea

Grow California tea in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Pea-shaped flowers provide early summer nectar for native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does California tea need?: California tea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does California tea bloom?: California tea blooms in June and July.
Where is California tea native?: California tea (Rupertia physodes) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California tea attract?: California tea draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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