James' Nailwort
Paronychia jamesii
Last reviewed: June 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
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.
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.
Does James' Nailwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.