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Mt. Hood Pussypaws

Cistanthe umbellata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Mt. Hood Pussypaws (Cistanthe umbellata)
Photo: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

ID

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cistanthe umbellata is a tiny alpine perennial that forms low, compact mats of small succulent-like leaves. It produces delicate clusters of small pink or white flowers on short stems during late spring and summer, creating a charming ground-hugging display.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mt. Hood Pussypaws 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 size may appear sparse or incomplete
  • Alpine nature gives very informal wild appearance
  • Unknown dormancy appearance could look dead seasonally

Wildlife value

This plant attracts small native bees and beetles with its modest but accessible flowers. Its low stature and clustered blooms make it particularly valuable for ground-nesting beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Mt. Hood Pussypaws need?
Mt. Hood Pussypaws grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mt. Hood Pussypaws bloom?
Mt. Hood Pussypaws blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Mt. Hood Pussypaws native?
Mt. Hood Pussypaws (Cistanthe umbellata) is native to ID, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Mt. Hood Pussypaws attract?
Mt. Hood Pussypaws draws bees and beetles.
Is Mt. Hood Pussypaws HOA-friendly?
Mt. Hood Pussypaws 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 Mt. Hood Pussypaws? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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