Carolina Redroot
Lachnanthes caroliana
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Carolina Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana) 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.
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 452 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
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Carolina Redroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz