How much sun does Claytonia exigua need?

Claytonia exigua grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Claytonia exigua bloom?

Claytonia exigua blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Claytonia exigua native?

Claytonia exigua is native to CA, NV, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Claytonia exigua attract?

Claytonia exigua draws small bees and flies.

Claytonia exigua

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Last reviewed: September 2026

Claytonia exigua is a annual forb native to CA, NV, OR, WA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Claytonia exigua 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

2"–6" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, NV, OR, WA

Pollinators

small bees, flies

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

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A tiny, low-growing annual wildflower with fleshy leaves and small white to pale pink flowers, completing its life cycle quickly in early spring before drying up.

Growing Claytonia exigua

Grow Claytonia exigua in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 6 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.

Wildlife value

A minor early-season nectar source for small native bees and flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Claytonia exigua need?: Claytonia exigua grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Claytonia exigua bloom?: Claytonia exigua blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Claytonia exigua native?: Claytonia exigua is native to CA, NV, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Claytonia exigua attract?: Claytonia exigua draws small bees and flies.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Claytonia exigua? 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