Redroot
Ceanothus herbaceus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Ceanothus herbaceus, or redroot, is a low-water shrub that blooms white from June through August and thrives in full sun on prairies and open slopes.
Toxicity unknown
Redroot (Ceanothus herbaceus) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, CO, IA, IL and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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.
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Redroot is a low-growing native shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant forms a compact mound and goes dormant in winter, losing its leaves completely.
Growing Redroot
Grow Redroot in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
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.
- Completely bare and stick-like when dormant in winter
- Informal growth habit may appear unkempt
- Not widely recognized as ornamental landscaping
Wildlife value
Host plant for spring azure, mottled dusky wing.
The summer blooms attract native bees and butterflies, providing nectar during the peak growing season. The dense branching structure can also provide nesting sites for small birds.
Common questions
- When does Ceanothus herbaceus bloom?
- Redroot typically flowers from June through August, producing small white flower clusters.
- What pollinators visit Ceanothus herbaceus?
- The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which use the nectar and pollen during the summer bloom period.
- How much water does redroot need?
- This shrub is drought tolerant and prefers low to medium moisture, doing best in well-drained soil without regular irrigation.
- What light conditions suit Ceanothus herbaceus best?
- Redroot grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial sun, especially in open woodland edges or prairie settings.
- Does Ceanothus herbaceus lose its leaves in winter?
- Yes, it is a deciduous shrub that drops its leaves in fall and regrows them each spring.
- Is Redroot HOA-friendly?
- Redroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 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