How much sun does Carolina Redroot need?

Carolina Redroot grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Carolina Redroot bloom?

Carolina Redroot blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Carolina Redroot native?

Carolina Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Carolina Redroot toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Redroot as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Carolina Redroot attract?

Carolina Redroot draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Carolina Redroot HOA-friendly?

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

Carolina Redroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lachnanthes caroliana

Last reviewed: August 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Carolina Redroot as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Carolina redroot is a native perennial wildflower that produces clusters of small, woolly yellow flowers from summer through early fall. This moisture-loving plant gets its name from its distinctive red roots and thrives in wet soils where many other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Redroot 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.

Looks very wild and weedy
Requires consistently wet conditions
May appear unkempt compared to typical landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles for nectar. The seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Redroot need?: Carolina Redroot grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Carolina Redroot bloom?: Carolina Redroot blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Carolina Redroot native?: Carolina Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Carolina Redroot toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Redroot as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Carolina Redroot attract?: Carolina Redroot draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Carolina Redroot HOA-friendly?: Carolina Redroot 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 Carolina Redroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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