Palmleaf Indian Breadroot
Pediomelum digitatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Palmleaf Indian Breadroot (Pediomelum digitatum) 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
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
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 445 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
Pediomelum digitatum is a compact native perennial with distinctive palmate leaves and purple pea-like flowers that bloom through summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for xeric gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Palmleaf 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 significantly in winter
- Not widely recognized as ornamental
Wildlife value
The purple flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Palmleaf Indian Breadroot need?
- Palmleaf Indian Breadroot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Palmleaf Indian Breadroot bloom?
- Palmleaf Indian Breadroot blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Palmleaf Indian Breadroot native?
- Palmleaf Indian Breadroot (Pediomelum digitatum) 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 Palmleaf Indian Breadroot attract?
- Palmleaf Indian Breadroot draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Palmleaf Indian Breadroot HOA-friendly?
- Palmleaf 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.
Ready to grow Palmleaf Indian Breadroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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