How much sun does Canada Forked Nailwort need?

Canada Forked Nailwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Canada Forked Nailwort bloom?

Canada Forked Nailwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Canada Forked Nailwort native?

Canada Forked Nailwort (Paronychia canadensis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Canada Forked Nailwort attract?

Canada Forked Nailwort draws beetles and flies.

Is Canada Forked Nailwort HOA-friendly?

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

Canada Forked Nailwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paronychia canadensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Forked Whitlow-wort is a low-growing native groundcover with tiny white flowers that bloom from May through July. This small perennial forms neat mats and works well in partially shaded areas with average moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Canada Forked Nailwort 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.

Extremely small size makes it appear weedy
Tiny flowers and growth habit look wild rather than cultivated
May be mistaken for lawn weeds

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract beetles and flies during the summer blooming period. This plant provides habitat for beneficial insects in garden settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Canada Forked Nailwort need?: Canada Forked Nailwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Canada Forked Nailwort bloom?: Canada Forked Nailwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Canada Forked Nailwort native?: Canada Forked Nailwort (Paronychia canadensis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Canada Forked Nailwort attract?: Canada Forked Nailwort draws beetles and flies.
Is Canada Forked Nailwort HOA-friendly?: Canada Forked Nailwort 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 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 Canada Forked Nailwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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