How much sun does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil need?

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil native?

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil (Hosackia oblongifolia) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees and butterflies.

Is Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hosackia oblongifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Hosackia oblongifolia is a low-growing native wildflower that forms small mounds of gray-green foliage. It produces clusters of small yellow pea-like flowers from May through July, followed by small seed pods.

In an HOA neighborhood

Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil 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.

Has distinctly wild appearance that looks weedy to many
Small flowers and informal growth habit don't read as 'landscaped'
May go dormant and look sparse in winter

Wildlife value

This plant attracts native bees and butterflies during its summer blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil need?: Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?: Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil native?: Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil (Hosackia oblongifolia) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?: Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees and butterflies.
Is Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?: Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil 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 Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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