Clammyweed
Polanisia dodecandra
Last reviewed: July 2026
Polanisia dodecandra (Clammyweed) is a native Montana forb that blooms white flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in full sun and attracts bees and beetles.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 36 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Polanisia dodecandra is a compact annual wildflower that produces delicate white to pale pink flowers from June through August. This hardy native thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements. The plant maintains a tidy, upright growth habit throughout the growing season.
Growing Clammyweed
Grow Clammyweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 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
Clammyweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual nature creates gaps in landscaping each year
- Can appear weedy or informal to conventional gardeners
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
This native forb provides valuable nectar for bees and serves as a host for various beetles during its extended summer blooming period. Its flowers are particularly attractive to native solitary bees and small pollinators.
Common questions
- When does Polanisia dodecandra bloom?
- Clammyweed blooms from June through August, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Clammyweed?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Polanisia dodecandra, visiting the flowers for nectar and pollen during the summer blooming period.
- Where is Polanisia dodecandra native?
- Clammyweed is native to Montana and grows naturally in dry, sunny locations throughout its range.
- What growing conditions does Clammyweed prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited to dry prairie and grassland environments.
- Is Clammyweed HOA-friendly?
- Clammyweed 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 Clammyweed? 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