How much sun does Indian-paint need?

Indian-paint grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Indian-paint bloom?

Indian-paint blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Indian-paint native?

Indian-paint (Lithospermum canescens) is native to AL, AR, DC, GA and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Indian-paint attract?

Indian-paint draws bees and butterflies.

Indian-paint

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lithospermum canescens

Last reviewed: September 2026

Indian-paint (Lithospermum canescens) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, DC, GA and 24 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Indian-paint (Lithospermum canescens) 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

8"–18" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, DC, GA and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Indian-paint.

Try it with your yard

A low, hairy-leaved prairie perennial with dense clusters of bright orange-yellow tubular flowers held close to the foliage in spring. It is deep-rooted and slow to establish.

Growing Indian-paint

Grow Indian-paint in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

An early nectar source for native bees and butterflies in prairie and savanna remnants.

Common questions

How much sun does Indian-paint need?: Indian-paint grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Indian-paint bloom?: Indian-paint blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Indian-paint native?: Indian-paint (Lithospermum canescens) is native to AL, AR, DC, GA and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Indian-paint attract?: Indian-paint draws bees and butterflies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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