How much sun does Cut-leaf Toothcup need?

Cut-leaf Toothcup grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Cut-leaf Toothcup bloom?

Cut-leaf Toothcup blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Cut-leaf Toothcup native?

Cut-leaf Toothcup (Dentaria laciniata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Cut-leaf Toothcup attract?

Cut-leaf Toothcup draws bees and butterflies.

Is Cut-leaf Toothcup HOA-friendly?

Cut-leaf Toothcup takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cut-leaf Toothcup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dentaria laciniata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cut-leaf Toothcup (Dentaria laciniata) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–16" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Cut-leaf toothcup is a low-growing native wildflower that produces delicate white or pale pink flowers in spring. This woodland perennial has deeply divided leaves and goes dormant in summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cut-leaf Toothcup 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.

Completely disappears by summer leaving bare spots
Wild woodland appearance conflicts with formal landscaping
Too ephemeral for reliable garden display

Wildlife value

The spring blooms provide nectar for early-season bees and butterflies when few other flowers are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Cut-leaf Toothcup need?: Cut-leaf Toothcup grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cut-leaf Toothcup bloom?: Cut-leaf Toothcup blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Cut-leaf Toothcup native?: Cut-leaf Toothcup (Dentaria laciniata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Cut-leaf Toothcup attract?: Cut-leaf Toothcup draws bees and butterflies.
Is Cut-leaf Toothcup HOA-friendly?: Cut-leaf Toothcup 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Cut-leaf Toothcup? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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