Forked bluecurls
Trichostema dichotomum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Forked bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum) is a annual forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A low, branching annual forb with sticky, aromatic foliage and small, curled blue-violet flowers with long, showy stamens produced from late summer into fall. Self-seeds readily in sandy, well-drained soils.
Growing Forked bluecurls
Grow Forked bluecurls in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Forked bluecurls is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Self-seeding annual habit gives an informal, wild appearance
- Sparse, open branching can read as weedy in a tidy bed
Wildlife value
Late-season flowers attract a variety of native bees for nectar and pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Forked bluecurls need?
- Forked bluecurls grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Forked bluecurls bloom?
- Forked bluecurls blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Forked bluecurls native?
- Forked bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Forked bluecurls attract?
- Forked bluecurls draws bees.
- Is Forked bluecurls HOA-friendly?
- Forked bluecurls is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Forked bluecurls? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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