How much sun does Chisme need?

Chisme grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Chisme bloom?

Chisme blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Chisme native?

Chisme (Portulaca pilosa) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Chisme attract?

Chisme draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.

Is Chisme HOA-friendly?

Chisme is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Chisme

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Portulaca pilosa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Chisme (Portulaca pilosa) 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

3"–6" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, FL and 11 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Chisme.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago

Chisme is a low-growing native groundcover that forms a spreading mat of small succulent leaves. This hardy annual produces tiny pink or purple flowers continuously from spring through fall, creating colorful carpets in sunny areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Chisme is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Requires seasonal replanting
May have messy dieback

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects from early spring through late fall. Its low growth habit offers shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Chisme need?: Chisme grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Chisme bloom?: Chisme blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Chisme native?: Chisme (Portulaca pilosa) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Chisme attract?: Chisme draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.
Is Chisme HOA-friendly?: Chisme is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app