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Erect Centella

Centella erecta

Last reviewed: August 2026

Erect Centella (Centella erecta)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Erect Centella (Centella erecta) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 9 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Erect centella is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact mounds of small, rounded leaves. This groundcover produces tiny clusters of white to pinkish flowers from summer through early fall and thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Erect Centella 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 and inconspicuous appearance
  • May be mistaken for weeds
  • Lacks ornamental appeal expected in front yards

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Erect Centella need?
Erect Centella grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Erect Centella bloom?
Erect Centella blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Erect Centella native?
Erect Centella (Centella erecta) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Erect Centella attract?
Erect Centella draws bees and beetles.
Is Erect Centella HOA-friendly?
Erect Centella 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 Erect Centella? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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