Bristly Lady's-thumb
Polygonum caespitosum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, flies
Bristly lady's-thumb is a low-growing annual wildflower with small pink flower spikes that bloom from summer through fall. This native groundcover spreads naturally and provides seasonal color in informal garden areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bristly Lady's-thumb 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 weedy appearance and growth habit
- May self-seed aggressively
- Dies back completely as annual
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and beneficial flies during the long blooming season from June through September.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bristly Lady's-thumb need?
- Bristly Lady's-thumb grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Bristly Lady's-thumb bloom?
- Bristly Lady's-thumb blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Bristly Lady's-thumb native?
- Bristly Lady's-thumb (Polygonum caespitosum) is native to FL, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Bristly Lady's-thumb attract?
- Bristly Lady's-thumb draws bees and flies.
- Is Bristly Lady's-thumb HOA-friendly?
- Bristly Lady's-thumb 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 Bristly Lady's-thumb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz