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Moschatel

Adoxa moschatellina

Last reviewed: June 2026

Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina)
Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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.

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.

Does Moschatel fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.