How much sun does Fendler's Cowbane need?

Fendler's Cowbane grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Fendler's Cowbane bloom?

Fendler's Cowbane blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Fendler's Cowbane native?

Fendler's Cowbane (Oxypolis fendleri) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Fendler's Cowbane attract?

Fendler's Cowbane draws bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.

Is Fendler's Cowbane HOA-friendly?

Fendler's Cowbane 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 Cowbane

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oxypolis fendleri

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Fendler's Cowbane (Oxypolis fendleri) 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

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, wasps, flies

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

Fendler's cowbane is a native wildflower that produces clusters of small white flowers from summer through early fall. This perennial grows in an upright, somewhat loose form and dies back to the ground each winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Fendler's Cowbane 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.

Has wild, informal appearance that may look weedy
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Name contains 'cowbane' which may concern neighbors

Wildlife value

The flowers attract a diverse range of beneficial insects including native bees, beetles, wasps, and flies during the summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Fendler's Cowbane need?: Fendler's Cowbane grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Fendler's Cowbane bloom?: Fendler's Cowbane blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Fendler's Cowbane native?: Fendler's Cowbane (Oxypolis fendleri) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Fendler's Cowbane attract?: Fendler's Cowbane draws bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.
Is Fendler's Cowbane HOA-friendly?: Fendler's Cowbane 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.

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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