When does Tephrosia virginiana bloom?

Catgut blooms from June through August, producing clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers that attract pollinators.

What pollinators visit Tephrosia virginiana?

Catgut flowers attract various bees and butterflies during its summer blooming period. The plant serves as an important nectar source for native pollinators.

Where is Tephrosia virginiana native?

Catgut is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas.

What growing conditions does Tephrosia virginiana prefer?

Catgut thrives in full sun to partial sun with well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant once established and performs well in sandy or rocky soils.

Is Catgut HOA-friendly?

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

Catgut

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tephrosia virginiana

Last reviewed: July 2026

Tephrosia virginiana (Catgut) is a native wildflower found across eastern and central United States that blooms pink to purple flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts bees and butterflies in sunny locations.

Catgut (Tephrosia virginiana) — Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, FL and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Catgut is a low-growing native legume with attractive compound leaves and showy clusters of pink and white pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and blooms throughout summer, making it a reliable choice for sunny, well-drained areas.

Growing Catgut

Grow Catgut in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Catgut 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.

Unfamiliar appearance may be perceived as weedy
Can look sparse or unkempt when not in bloom
Name 'Catgut' may raise concerns among neighbors

Wildlife value

Host plant for silver-spotted skipper, wild indigo duskywing.

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies, while the plant serves as a host for several butterfly species including skippers.

Common questions

When does Tephrosia virginiana bloom?: Catgut blooms from June through August, producing clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers that attract pollinators.
What pollinators visit Tephrosia virginiana?: Catgut flowers attract various bees and butterflies during its summer blooming period. The plant serves as an important nectar source for native pollinators.
Where is Tephrosia virginiana native?: Catgut is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas.
What growing conditions does Tephrosia virginiana prefer?: Catgut thrives in full sun to partial sun with well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant once established and performs well in sandy or rocky soils.
Is Catgut HOA-friendly?: Catgut 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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