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.

Longhorn Plectritis

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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 437 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 Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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.

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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