How much sun does Fivespot need?

Fivespot grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Fivespot bloom?

Fivespot blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Fivespot native?

Fivespot (Nemophila maculata) is native to CA, OR, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Fivespot attract?

Fivespot draws bees and syrphid flies.

Fivespot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nemophila maculata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Fivespot (Nemophila maculata) is a annual forb native to CA, OR, UT. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and syrphid flies.

Toxicity unknown

Fivespot (Nemophila maculata) 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

6"–12" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR, UT

Pollinators

bees, syrphid flies

Before you buy

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Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley

A low sprawling annual with cup-shaped white flowers, each petal tipped with a single deep purple-violet spot near its edge. Forms a dense flowering carpet in open grassy areas during its short spring season.

Growing Fivespot

Grow Fivespot in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Flowers are visited by small native bees and syrphid flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Fivespot need?: Fivespot grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Fivespot bloom?: Fivespot blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Fivespot native?: Fivespot (Nemophila maculata) is native to CA, OR, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Fivespot attract?: Fivespot draws bees and syrphid flies.

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.

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