How much sun does Doublehorn Calicoflower need?

Doublehorn Calicoflower grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Doublehorn Calicoflower bloom?

Doublehorn Calicoflower blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Doublehorn Calicoflower native?

Doublehorn Calicoflower (Downingia bicornuta) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Doublehorn Calicoflower toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Doublehorn Calicoflower as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Doublehorn Calicoflower attract?

Doublehorn Calicoflower draws bees.

Is Doublehorn Calicoflower HOA-friendly?

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

Doublehorn Calicoflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Downingia bicornuta

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Doublehorn Calicoflower (Downingia bicornuta) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Doublehorn Calicoflower as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Central Basin and Range North American Deserts

Doublehorn calicoflower is a delicate annual wildflower native to wet meadows and vernal pools. This compact plant produces small, intricate blue and white flowers from May through July. It thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Doublehorn Calicoflower 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.

Very small size makes it appear weedy
Annual lifecycle means gaps in coverage
Wildflower appearance conflicts with manicured landscape expectations

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and other pollinators during the late spring and summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Doublehorn Calicoflower need?: Doublehorn Calicoflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Doublehorn Calicoflower bloom?: Doublehorn Calicoflower blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Doublehorn Calicoflower native?: Doublehorn Calicoflower (Downingia bicornuta) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Doublehorn Calicoflower toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Doublehorn Calicoflower as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Doublehorn Calicoflower attract?: Doublehorn Calicoflower draws bees.
Is Doublehorn Calicoflower HOA-friendly?: Doublehorn Calicoflower 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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