Hairy Forked Nailwort
Paronychia fastigiata
Last reviewed: June 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.
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.
Does Hairy Forked Nailwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.