How much sun does Leatherroot need?

Leatherroot grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Leatherroot bloom?

Leatherroot blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Leatherroot native?

Leatherroot (Hoita macrostachya) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Leatherroot attract?

Leatherroot draws bumble bees and native bees.

Leatherroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hoita macrostachya

Last reviewed: September 2026

Leatherroot (Hoita macrostachya) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Leatherroot (Hoita macrostachya) 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

high

Size

36"–72" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bumble bees, native bees

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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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A large, coarse perennial legume with three-part leaves and tall spikes of purple pea-like flowers. Grows along streambanks and wet swales, forming a bold, substantial clump.

Growing Leatherroot

Grow Leatherroot in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its abundant purple flower spikes are a strong nectar source for bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Leatherroot need?: Leatherroot grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Leatherroot bloom?: Leatherroot blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Leatherroot native?: Leatherroot (Hoita macrostachya) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Leatherroot attract?: Leatherroot draws bumble bees and native bees.

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

Ready to grow Leatherroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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