How much sun does Pepper-and-salt need?

Pepper-and-salt grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Pepper-and-salt bloom?

Pepper-and-salt blooms in March and April.

Where is Pepper-and-salt native?

Pepper-and-salt (Erigenia bulbosa) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pepper-and-salt attract?

Pepper-and-salt draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Pepper-and-salt HOA-friendly?

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

Pepper-and-salt

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Erigenia bulbosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pepper-and-salt (Erigenia bulbosa) 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

4"–8" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IL and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

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

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Pepper-and-salt is a charming early spring wildflower that produces tiny white flowers with dark anthers, creating its distinctive speckled appearance. This petite woodland native emerges in March and April, then goes dormant by early summer. It forms small clumps that slowly spread in shaded areas with rich, moist soil.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pepper-and-salt 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.

Goes completely dormant by early summer leaving bare spots
Very small size makes it appear weedy or unintentional
Short bloom period offers limited visual impact for front yard use

Wildlife value

This early bloomer provides crucial nectar for bees, beetles, and flies when few other flowers are available in spring. Its timing makes it especially valuable for native bees emerging from winter dormancy.

Common questions

How much sun does Pepper-and-salt need?: Pepper-and-salt grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pepper-and-salt bloom?: Pepper-and-salt blooms in March and April.
Where is Pepper-and-salt native?: Pepper-and-salt (Erigenia bulbosa) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pepper-and-salt attract?: Pepper-and-salt draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Pepper-and-salt HOA-friendly?: Pepper-and-salt 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.

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 Pepper-and-salt? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz