Heermann's Lotus
Acmispon tomentosus
Last reviewed: October 2026
Heermann's Lotus (Acmispon tomentosus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw native bees, butterflies, and moths. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Heermann's Lotus (Acmispon tomentosus) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–30" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies, moths
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 460 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
A mat-forming perennial wildflower that spreads low, hairy stems along the ground. Small succulent leaves are covered in fine pale hairs, and burgundy-red flower buds open into clusters of bright yellow pea-like blooms.
Growing Heermann's Lotus
Grow Heermann's Lotus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 30 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Heermann's Lotus is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: border edging, rock garden, slope groundcover.
- Can look sparse and die back in late summer dormancy
Wildlife value
Host plant for Harford's sulphur (Colias harfordii).
A strong pollinator plant that supports a wide range of native bees, butterflies, and moths, and serves as a larval host plant for several sulphur butterfly species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Heermann's Lotus need?
- Heermann's Lotus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Heermann's Lotus bloom?
- Heermann's Lotus blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is Heermann's Lotus native?
- Heermann's Lotus (Acmispon tomentosus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Heermann's Lotus host?
- Heermann's Lotus is a larval host plant for Harford's sulphur (Colias harfordii).
- Is Heermann's Lotus HOA-friendly?
- Heermann's Lotus is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Heermann's Lotus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.