Moschatel
Adoxa moschatellina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CO, IA, IL, MN and 7 more states
Moschatel is a delicate woodland perennial that forms small patches of soft green foliage in shaded areas. This diminutive plant produces tiny greenish flowers in early spring before going dormant in summer heat.
In an HOA neighborhood
Moschatel 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.
- Disappears completely in summer dormancy
- Too small and ephemeral for visible landscaping
- Requires specialized woodland conditions
Wildlife value
Limited wildlife value due to its small size and brief growing season. May provide early nectar for small insects when blooming in spring.
Common questions
- How much sun does Moschatel need?
- Moschatel grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Moschatel bloom?
- Moschatel blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Moschatel native?
- Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina) is native to CO, IA, IL, MN and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Moschatel HOA-friendly?
- Moschatel 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 Moschatel? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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