Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil
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
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.
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.
Does Copper-flowered Bird's-foot Trefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.