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Coyotillo

Karwinskia humboldtiana

Last reviewed: September 2026

Coyotillo (Karwinskia humboldtiana)
Photo: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Coyotillo (Karwinskia humboldtiana) 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

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–84" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

TX

Pollinators

butterflies

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

Find rebates in your area

Coyotillo is a small native shrub or tree with glossy evergreen leaves and tiny flowers that bloom from spring through fall. It produces small dark berries that are highly toxic to humans and livestock, making it unsuitable for most residential landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coyotillo is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
  • Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
  • Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators throughout most of the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Coyotillo need?
Coyotillo grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Coyotillo bloom?
Coyotillo blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Coyotillo native?
Coyotillo (Karwinskia humboldtiana) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Coyotillo attract?
Coyotillo draws butterflies.
Is Coyotillo HOA-friendly?
Coyotillo is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Coyotillo? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz