How much sun does Carolina Leaf-flower need?

Carolina Leaf-flower grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Carolina Leaf-flower bloom?

Carolina Leaf-flower blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Carolina Leaf-flower native?

Carolina Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus caroliniensis) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Carolina Leaf-flower attract?

Carolina Leaf-flower draws bees and beetles.

Is Carolina Leaf-flower HOA-friendly?

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

Carolina Leaf-flower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phyllanthus caroliniensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Carolina Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus caroliniensis) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Carolina leaf-flower is a low-growing native perennial with small, delicate leaves and tiny greenish flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. This understated plant forms compact mounds and works well as a groundcover or filler in mixed plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Leaf-flower 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.

Very small inconspicuous flowers may appear weedy
Unknown leaf retention creates uncertainty about winter appearance
Low profile may look like volunteer weeds to HOAs

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles during its long blooming season from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Leaf-flower need?: Carolina Leaf-flower grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Carolina Leaf-flower bloom?: Carolina Leaf-flower blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Carolina Leaf-flower native?: Carolina Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus caroliniensis) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Carolina Leaf-flower attract?: Carolina Leaf-flower draws bees and beetles.
Is Carolina Leaf-flower HOA-friendly?: Carolina Leaf-flower 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Carolina Leaf-flower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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