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Northern Linanthus

Linanthus septentrionalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Northern Linanthus (Linanthus septentrionalis)
Photo: (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon

Toxicity unknown

Northern Linanthus (Linanthus septentrionalis) 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"–12" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Northern linanthus is a delicate annual wildflower that forms small, low-growing clumps with tiny white to pale pink flowers. This diminutive native blooms from May through July and requires minimal water once established. Its small stature makes it suitable for rock gardens or as a filler plant in native landscaping.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Linanthus 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 small size makes it nearly invisible in formal landscapes
  • Annual nature means gaps will appear when plants die
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to those unfamiliar with native plants

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and small butterflies during the spring and early summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it a good choice for supporting pollinators in confined spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Linanthus need?
Northern Linanthus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Northern Linanthus bloom?
Northern Linanthus blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Northern Linanthus native?
Northern Linanthus (Linanthus septentrionalis) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Northern Linanthus attract?
Northern Linanthus draws bees and butterflies.
Is Northern Linanthus HOA-friendly?
Northern Linanthus 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 Northern Linanthus? 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