How much sun does Little Cat's-eye need?

Little Cat's-eye grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Little Cat's-eye bloom?

Little Cat's-eye blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Little Cat's-eye native?

Little Cat's-eye (Cryptantha minima) is native to AZ, CO, KS, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Little Cat's-eye attract?

Little Cat's-eye draws bees and beetles.

Is Little Cat's-eye HOA-friendly?

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

Little Cat's-eye

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptantha minima

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Little Cat's-eye (Cryptantha minima) 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 × 1"–3" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, KS, MT and 6 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 445 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains

Little cat's eye is a tiny annual wildflower that forms small, low-growing patches with delicate white or pale blue flowers. This diminutive native blooms from May through July and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care. Its small stature makes it best suited for rock gardens or naturalized areas where its subtle beauty can be appreciated up close.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little Cat's-eye 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 makes it appear sparse or incomplete
Annual nature means gaps when plants don't return
Can look like weeds or bare spots from a distance

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and early summer blooming period. Despite its tiny size, it provides valuable nectar resources for small pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Little Cat's-eye need?: Little Cat's-eye grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Little Cat's-eye bloom?: Little Cat's-eye blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Little Cat's-eye native?: Little Cat's-eye (Cryptantha minima) is native to AZ, CO, KS, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Little Cat's-eye attract?: Little Cat's-eye draws bees and beetles.
Is Little Cat's-eye HOA-friendly?: Little Cat's-eye 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.

Ready to grow Little Cat's-eye? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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