Canada Forked Nailwort
Paronychia canadensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Canada Forked Nailwort (Paronychia canadensis) 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
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
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 437 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
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz