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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Moschatel

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Adoxa moschatellina

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CO, IA, IL, MN and 7 more states

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 445 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

Southern Rockies Northern Lakes and Forests Driftless Area

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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