Clearweed
Pilea pumila
Last reviewed: July 2026
Clearweed (Pilea pumila) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Clearweed is a small native annual that forms low patches in shaded areas. It has delicate green foliage and produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in late summer. This plant thrives in moist, partially shaded locations and naturally self-seeds.
In an HOA neighborhood
Clearweed 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.
- Very weedy appearance
- Dies back completely as annual
- Can spread aggressively by self-seeding
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and flies during summer blooming. As an annual, it provides seasonal habitat and food sources for pollinators in shaded garden areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Clearweed need?
- Clearweed grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Clearweed bloom?
- Clearweed blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Clearweed native?
- Clearweed (Pilea pumila) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Clearweed toxic to dogs?
- Clearweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Clearweed toxic to cats?
- Clearweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Clearweed attract?
- Clearweed draws bees and flies.
- Is Clearweed HOA-friendly?
- Clearweed 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 Clearweed? 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