Chinese Houses
Collinsia heterophylla
Last reviewed: July 2026
Collinsia heterophylla (Chinese Houses) is a California native wildflower that blooms March through June with distinctive purple and white tiered flowers. This drought-tolerant annual thrives in sunny locations and attracts bees and butterflies.
Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla) is a charming native annual wildflower growing 6-24 inches tall. It features distinctive tiered whorls of purple and white flowers that bloom from spring to early summer, resembling tiny pagodas. This low-water plant thrives in full sun and makes an excellent addition to borders or wildflower meadows.
Growing Chinese Houses
Grow Chinese Houses in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chinese Houses is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Annual nature means seasonal dieback
- Can self-seed and appear informal
- May need to be part of a more structured planting design
Wildlife value
Chinese houses is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable spring and early summer nectar.
Common questions
- When does Collinsia heterophylla bloom?
- Chinese Houses blooms from March through June, producing its characteristic purple and white flowers in spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Chinese Houses?
- Collinsia heterophylla attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. The tubular flower shape is particularly well-suited for bee pollination.
- Where is Collinsia heterophylla native?
- Chinese Houses is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities throughout much of the state.
- How much water does Chinese Houses need?
- This California native is drought-tolerant once established and typically requires low to moderate water. It is well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native range.
- Is Chinese Houses toxic to dogs?
- Chinese Houses is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Chinese Houses toxic to cats?
- Chinese Houses is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Chinese Houses HOA-friendly?
- Chinese Houses is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Chinese Houses? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz