How much sun does Illinois Pinweed need?

Illinois Pinweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Illinois Pinweed bloom?

Illinois Pinweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Illinois Pinweed native?

Illinois Pinweed (Lechea racemulosa) is native to NC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Illinois Pinweed attract?

Illinois Pinweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Illinois Pinweed HOA-friendly?

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

Illinois Pinweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lechea racemulosa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

A small, low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps with tiny, inconspicuous flowers from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sandy soils and full sun conditions. It produces small clusters of white to pale pink blooms rather than showy flowers.

In an HOA neighborhood

Illinois Pinweed 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 inconspicuous flowers may look weedy
Fine texture and spreading habit can appear unkempt
Name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long blooming season from June through September. Seeds may provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Illinois Pinweed need?: Illinois Pinweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Illinois Pinweed bloom?: Illinois Pinweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Illinois Pinweed native?: Illinois Pinweed (Lechea racemulosa) is native to NC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Illinois Pinweed attract?: Illinois Pinweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Illinois Pinweed HOA-friendly?: Illinois Pinweed 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 Illinois Pinweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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