Hairy Forked Nailwort
Paronychia fastigiata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy forked nailwort is a tiny native annual that forms low, compact mats of small leaves close to the ground. It produces inconspicuous clusters of small whitish flowers from late spring through summer. This diminutive plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny, dry locations with poor soil.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy Forked Nailwort 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 look weedy
- Annual nature means gaps and bare spots as plants die
- Name and appearance unlikely to be recognized as intentional landscaping
Wildlife value
This plant provides habitat for small beneficial insects and may serve as food for some native ground-dwelling arthropods, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Forked Nailwort need?
- Hairy Forked Nailwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Forked Nailwort bloom?
- Hairy Forked Nailwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Hairy Forked Nailwort native?
- Hairy Forked Nailwort (Paronychia fastigiata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hairy Forked Nailwort HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Forked Nailwort 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 Hairy Forked Nailwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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