How much sun does Fendler's Cat's-eye need?

Fendler's Cat's-eye grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Fendler's Cat's-eye bloom?

Fendler's Cat's-eye blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Fendler's Cat's-eye native?

Fendler's Cat's-eye (Cryptantha fendleri) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Fendler's Cat's-eye attract?

Fendler's Cat's-eye draws bees and beetles.

Is Fendler's Cat's-eye HOA-friendly?

Fendler's Cat's-eye takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Fendler's Cat's-eye

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptantha fendleri

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range

Cryptantha fendleri is a small annual wildflower that forms low, compact mounds with tiny white flowers that bloom from April through June. This drought-tolerant native requires full sun and minimal water once established. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Fendler's Cat's-eye 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 creates gaps when plants die
Informal wildflower appearance doesn't fit manicured landscapes

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the spring blooming period. This plant provides early-season nectar when few other flowers are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Fendler's Cat's-eye need?: Fendler's Cat's-eye grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Fendler's Cat's-eye bloom?: Fendler's Cat's-eye blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Fendler's Cat's-eye native?: Fendler's Cat's-eye (Cryptantha fendleri) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Fendler's Cat's-eye attract?: Fendler's Cat's-eye draws bees and beetles.
Is Fendler's Cat's-eye HOA-friendly?: Fendler's Cat's-eye 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Fendler's Cat's-eye? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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