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Narrowleaf Cowwheat

Melampyrum lineare

Last reviewed: August 2026

Narrowleaf Cowwheat (Melampyrum lineare)
Photo: (c) Michael Ellis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Ellis

Toxicity unknown

Narrowleaf Cowwheat (Melampyrum lineare) 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

part sun

Water

low

Size

6"–18" H × 3"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, DE, GA, ID and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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

Northern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Narrowleaf cowwheat is a slender annual wildflower that produces small white or pale yellow tubular blooms from June through August. This delicate native plant grows 6-18 inches tall with narrow leaves and has a graceful, understated appearance in partially shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrowleaf Cowwheat 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.

  • Very delicate appearance may look like weeds to neighbors
  • Annual nature means gaps when plants don't return
  • Low profile can appear unkempt in formal settings

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. As an annual native, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrowleaf Cowwheat need?
Narrowleaf Cowwheat grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Narrowleaf Cowwheat bloom?
Narrowleaf Cowwheat blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Narrowleaf Cowwheat native?
Narrowleaf Cowwheat (Melampyrum lineare) is native to CT, DE, GA, ID and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Narrowleaf Cowwheat attract?
Narrowleaf Cowwheat draws bees and butterflies.
Is Narrowleaf Cowwheat HOA-friendly?
Narrowleaf Cowwheat 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 Narrowleaf Cowwheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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