How much sun does Hooked Groundstar need?

Hooked Groundstar grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hooked Groundstar bloom?

Hooked Groundstar blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Hooked Groundstar native?

Hooked Groundstar (Ancistrocarphus filagineus) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Hooked Groundstar attract?

Hooked Groundstar draws bees and beetles.

Is Hooked Groundstar HOA-friendly?

Hooked Groundstar takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hooked Groundstar

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ancistrocarphus filagineus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hooked Groundstar (Ancistrocarphus filagineus) 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

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Ancistrocarphus filagineus is a small native annual that forms compact, low-growing mats in sunny, dry locations. This diminutive wildflower produces tiny clustered blooms from May through July and requires minimal water once established. Its small stature makes it suitable for rock gardens or as a ground cover in xeric landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hooked Groundstar 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 size makes it appear weedy or unkempt
Annual lifecycle leaves bare spots when plants die back
Uncommon appearance may be viewed as undesirable weeds

Wildlife value

This plant supports native bees and beetles during its spring and early summer blooming period. Its small flowers provide nectar and pollen for smaller beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Hooked Groundstar need?: Hooked Groundstar grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hooked Groundstar bloom?: Hooked Groundstar blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hooked Groundstar native?: Hooked Groundstar (Ancistrocarphus filagineus) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hooked Groundstar attract?: Hooked Groundstar draws bees and beetles.
Is Hooked Groundstar HOA-friendly?: Hooked Groundstar 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Hooked Groundstar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz