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Pediomelum californicum

Pediomelum californicum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pediomelum californicum is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.

Pediomelum californicum
Photo: (c) George Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Pediomelum californicum 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

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA

Pollinators

bees

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Pediomelum californicum.

Deep-taprooted perennial with silvery, hairy compound leaves and spikes of small purple-blue, pea-shaped flowers. Found on dry grassy and shrubby slopes.

Growing Pediomelum californicum

Grow Pediomelum californicum in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Flowers attract native bees; deep roots historically provided food value similar to other prairie turnip species.

Common questions

How much sun does Pediomelum californicum need?
Pediomelum californicum grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pediomelum californicum bloom?
Pediomelum californicum blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Pediomelum californicum native?
Pediomelum californicum is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pediomelum californicum attract?
Pediomelum californicum draws bees.

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

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Pediomelum californicum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.