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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

James' Nailwort (Paronychia jamesii) 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

2"–6" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, KS, NE, NM and 3 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 452 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

Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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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