Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot
Pediomelum linearifolium
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot (Pediomelum linearifolium) 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
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, KS, NE, NM and 3 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Narrowleaf Indian breadroot is a compact native perennial with slender, linear leaves and purple pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant prairie plant forms neat clumps and blooms reliably from May through July. It's an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping and naturalizing areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot 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.
- Unfamiliar appearance may be seen as weedy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Very informal prairie plant aesthetic
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its extended bloom period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot need?
- Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot bloom?
- Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot native?
- Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot (Pediomelum linearifolium) is native to CO, KS, NE, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot attract?
- Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot HOA-friendly?
- Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Narrowleaf Indian Breadroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz