How much sun does Nuttall's Monolepis need?

Nuttall's Monolepis grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Nuttall's Monolepis bloom?

Nuttall's Monolepis blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Nuttall's Monolepis native?

Nuttall's Monolepis (Monolepis nuttalliana) is native to IL, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Nuttall's Monolepis toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nuttall's Monolepis as toxic to livestock.

Is Nuttall's Monolepis HOA-friendly?

Nuttall's Monolepis takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Nuttall's Monolepis

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Monolepis nuttalliana

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Nuttall's Monolepis as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Sonoran Basin and Range

Monolepis nuttalliana is a small annual forb native to western North America that grows 4-24 inches tall with a compact spread. It produces tiny flowers from May through August and thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements. This drought-tolerant plant naturally occurs in dry, disturbed soils and requires little maintenance once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nuttall's Monolepis 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.

Has a weedy, informal appearance
Annual nature means gaps in plantings
Not widely recognized as an ornamental plant

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited, this native plant likely supports small insects and provides seeds for birds during its growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Nuttall's Monolepis need?: Nuttall's Monolepis grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Nuttall's Monolepis bloom?: Nuttall's Monolepis blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Nuttall's Monolepis native?: Nuttall's Monolepis (Monolepis nuttalliana) is native to IL, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Nuttall's Monolepis toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nuttall's Monolepis as toxic to livestock.
Is Nuttall's Monolepis HOA-friendly?: Nuttall's Monolepis 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 Nuttall's Monolepis? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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