When does Pacific starflower bloom?

Pacific starflower typically flowers in June and July, producing small star-shaped white blooms above its whorled leaves.

What pollinates Pacific starflower?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Pacific starflower, drawn to its open, shallow flowers.

What growing conditions suit Pacific starflower best?

It does well in part shade with medium, evenly moist soil, similar to the humus-rich floor of a mixed conifer forest.

Does Pacific starflower stay green year round?

No, it is a deciduous forb that dies back to its underground rhizome after flowering and regrows the following spring.

Is Pacific Starflower HOA-friendly?

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

Pacific Starflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lysimachia latifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Pacific starflower is a low-growing woodland forb that blooms in June and July, favoring part shade and medium soil moisture typical of Pacific coast conifer forests.

Toxicity unknown

Pacific Starflower (Lysimachia latifolia) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

Lysimachia latifolia is a native perennial wildflower that forms compact clumps with oval leaves and produces clusters of small yellow flowers in summer. This broadleaf loosestrife grows in a tidy, low mound that works well in partially shaded garden beds. The plant dies back completely in winter and emerges fresh each spring.

Growing Pacific Starflower

Grow Pacific Starflower in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pacific Starflower 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.

Appears weedy to those unfamiliar with native plants
Dies back completely leaving bare spots in winter
Small yellow flowers may look too wild for formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract native bees and beneficial beetles. The compact growth habit provides some shelter for small insects without creating dense cover.

Common questions

When does Pacific starflower bloom?: Pacific starflower typically flowers in June and July, producing small star-shaped white blooms above its whorled leaves.
What pollinates Pacific starflower?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Pacific starflower, drawn to its open, shallow flowers.
What growing conditions suit Pacific starflower best?: It does well in part shade with medium, evenly moist soil, similar to the humus-rich floor of a mixed conifer forest.
Does Pacific starflower stay green year round?: No, it is a deciduous forb that dies back to its underground rhizome after flowering and regrows the following spring.
Is Pacific Starflower HOA-friendly?: Pacific Starflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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