Carolina Draba
Draba reptans
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Carolina Draba (Draba reptans) 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
low
Size
2"–6" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 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 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
Draba reptans is a tiny native wildflower that forms small mats close to the ground. It produces delicate clusters of small yellow or white flowers in spring and early summer, creating a subtle carpet effect in suitable locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Draba 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 and inconspicuous appearance may look sparse
- Can appear weedy or incomplete in formal landscapes
- May be mistaken for moss or unwanted ground cover
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for small native bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. Its compact size makes it valuable for supporting smaller pollinators that larger plants might not accommodate.
Common questions
- How much sun does Carolina Draba need?
- Carolina Draba grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Carolina Draba bloom?
- Carolina Draba blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Carolina Draba native?
- Carolina Draba (Draba reptans) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Carolina Draba attract?
- Carolina Draba draws bees and beetles.
- Is Carolina Draba HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Draba 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Carolina Draba? 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