Clammy Cuphea
Cuphea viscosissima
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Clammy Cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima) 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Clammy cuphea is a native annual wildflower that produces small, tubular purple flowers from July through September. This compact plant grows 12-24 inches tall with a neat, upright habit that fits well in cultivated gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Clammy Cuphea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May self-seed and appear weedy if not managed
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract both bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. As a native annual, it provides reliable nectar sources during late summer when many other flowers are fading.
Common questions
- How much sun does Clammy Cuphea need?
- Clammy Cuphea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Clammy Cuphea bloom?
- Clammy Cuphea blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Clammy Cuphea native?
- Clammy Cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Clammy Cuphea attract?
- Clammy Cuphea draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Clammy Cuphea HOA-friendly?
- Clammy Cuphea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Clammy Cuphea? 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