Longhorn Plectritis
Plectritis macrocera
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Longhorn Plectritis (Plectritis macrocera) 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
4"–16" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
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 459 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
Plectritis macrocera is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small, clustered pink or white blooms from May through July. This compact native plant forms neat clumps reaching 4-16 inches tall and requires minimal water once established. It naturally self-seeds and may return in subsequent years under favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Longhorn Plectritis 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.
- Dies back completely by late summer leaving bare spots
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to unfamiliar observers
- Annual nature creates inconsistent garden appearance
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract various beneficial insects including native bees and flies during the spring and early summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators during a critical time of year.
Common questions
- How much sun does Longhorn Plectritis need?
- Longhorn Plectritis grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Longhorn Plectritis bloom?
- Longhorn Plectritis blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Longhorn Plectritis native?
- Longhorn Plectritis (Plectritis macrocera) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Longhorn Plectritis attract?
- Longhorn Plectritis draws bees and flies.
- Is Longhorn Plectritis HOA-friendly?
- Longhorn Plectritis 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Longhorn Plectritis? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.