How much sun does Dwarf Groundsmoke need?

Dwarf Groundsmoke grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dwarf Groundsmoke bloom?

Dwarf Groundsmoke blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Dwarf Groundsmoke native?

Dwarf Groundsmoke (Gayophytum humile) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Dwarf Groundsmoke attract?

Dwarf Groundsmoke draws bees and beetles.

Is Dwarf Groundsmoke HOA-friendly?

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

Dwarf Groundsmoke

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gayophytum humile

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dwarf Groundsmoke (Gayophytum humile) 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

low

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

Dwarf groundsmoke is a tiny annual wildflower that forms low mats of small pink or white flowers during summer months. This delicate native plant thrives in sunny, dry conditions and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dwarf Groundsmoke 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.

Extremely small size makes it appear sparse
Annual nature means gaps in coverage
Can look weedy or unkempt in formal settings

Wildlife value

Provides nectar for native bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. Its small stature makes it most valuable as part of diverse native plant communities.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf Groundsmoke need?: Dwarf Groundsmoke grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dwarf Groundsmoke bloom?: Dwarf Groundsmoke blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Dwarf Groundsmoke native?: Dwarf Groundsmoke (Gayophytum humile) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Dwarf Groundsmoke attract?: Dwarf Groundsmoke draws bees and beetles.
Is Dwarf Groundsmoke HOA-friendly?: Dwarf Groundsmoke 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.

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

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