Carolina Redroot
Lachnanthes caroliniana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
MA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Carolina redroot is a native perennial wildflower that produces clusters of small woolly yellow flowers from summer into fall. This compact plant grows 1-2 feet tall and thrives in consistently moist soils with partial sun, making it suitable for rain gardens or naturally wet areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Redroot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear swampy
- Small stature and informal growth habit look weedy in formal settings
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
Wildlife value
The summer and fall blooms attract native bees and beetles for pollination. The plant provides modest wildlife habitat value in wetland garden settings.
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 Carolina Redroot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.