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, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Longhorn Plectritis

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Plectritis macrocera

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

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, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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