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Northern inside-out-flower

Vancouveria hexandra

Last reviewed: October 2026

Northern inside-out-flower (Vancouveria hexandra) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw small native bees.

Northern inside-out-flower (Vancouveria hexandra)
Photo: (c) Gavin Slater, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Northern inside-out-flower (Vancouveria hexandra) 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

8"–16" H × 18"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

small native bees

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A rhizomatous perennial groundcover with delicate, compound leaves and airy sprays of small, white, reflexed flowers whose petals sweep backward. Spreads to form colonies in the shaded understory of coniferous forest.

Growing Northern inside-out-flower

Grow Northern inside-out-flower in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The delicate flowers provide nectar for small native bees, and the dense rhizomatous mats suppress weeds while sheltering ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern inside-out-flower need?
Northern inside-out-flower grows best in shade conditions.
When does Northern inside-out-flower bloom?
Northern inside-out-flower blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Northern inside-out-flower native?
Northern inside-out-flower (Vancouveria hexandra) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Northern inside-out-flower attract?
Northern inside-out-flower draws small native bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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Ready to grow Northern inside-out-flower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.