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 AL, CT, DE, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Illinois Pinweed (Lechea racemulosa) 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

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 15 more states

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 445 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

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 AL, CT, DE, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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