How much sun does James' Nailwort need?

James' Nailwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does James' Nailwort bloom?

James' Nailwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is James' Nailwort native?

James' Nailwort (Paronychia jamesii) is native to CO, KS, NE, NM and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does James' Nailwort attract?

James' Nailwort draws bees and beetles.

Is James' Nailwort HOA-friendly?

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

James' Nailwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paronychia jamesii

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, KS, NE, NM and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau

James' nailwort is a tiny, ground-hugging perennial native that forms dense, silvery-green mats. This drought-tolerant plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers from May through July and works well as a living mulch or groundcover in sunny, dry areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

James' Nailwort 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.

Extremely small size may appear weedy
Inconspicuous flowers lack visual impact
May be mistaken for moss or lawn weeds

Wildlife value

This small native provides nectar for bees and beetles during its spring and summer blooming period. Its low, dense growth habit can also offer shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does James' Nailwort need?: James' Nailwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does James' Nailwort bloom?: James' Nailwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is James' Nailwort native?: James' Nailwort (Paronychia jamesii) is native to CO, KS, NE, NM and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does James' Nailwort attract?: James' Nailwort draws bees and beetles.
Is James' Nailwort HOA-friendly?: James' Nailwort 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 James' Nailwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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