Cuban-spinach
Claytonia perfoliata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
SD
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cuban-spinach is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small rosettes of distinctive rounded leaves. It produces tiny white or pink flowers from April through June and thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture. This cool-season plant typically completes its life cycle by mid-summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cuban-spinach 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.
- Dies back completely by mid-summer leaving bare spots
- Small stature and wild appearance don't meet typical landscaping expectations
- Annual nature requires replanting or self-seeding which can appear unmanaged
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides relatively brief but valuable early-season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
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 Cuban-spinach fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.