How much sun does Moth Combseed need?

Moth Combseed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Moth Combseed bloom?

Moth Combseed blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Moth Combseed native?

Moth Combseed (Pectocarya setosa) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Moth Combseed attract?

Moth Combseed draws bees and beetles.

Is Moth Combseed HOA-friendly?

Moth Combseed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Moth Combseed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pectocarya setosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Moth Combseed (Pectocarya setosa) 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

2"–8" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Moth combseed is a tiny native annual that forms low mats of small leaves and produces clusters of minute white flowers in spring. This delicate groundcover thrives in sunny, dry conditions and completes its lifecycle quickly, disappearing by summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Moth Combseed 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.

Extremely small and can appear weedy
Dies back completely after spring bloom
May be mistaken for common weeds

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its brief spring blooming period. Its seeds provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Moth Combseed need?: Moth Combseed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Moth Combseed bloom?: Moth Combseed blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Moth Combseed native?: Moth Combseed (Pectocarya setosa) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Moth Combseed attract?: Moth Combseed draws bees and beetles.
Is Moth Combseed HOA-friendly?: Moth Combseed 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 Moth Combseed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz