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Quill Fameflower

Phemeranthus teretifolius

Last reviewed: August 2026

Quill Fameflower (Phemeranthus teretifolius)
Photo: Dan Vickers / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Quill Fameflower (Phemeranthus teretifolius) 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

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, DE, GA, KY and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Quill fameflower is a small, succulent perennial with narrow, cylindrical blue-green leaves that form compact rosettes. It produces delicate pink to white flowers on thin stems during summer months. This drought-tolerant native thrives in poor, rocky soils where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Quill Fameflower 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.

  • Extremely small and can appear sparse or weedy
  • May look like an unintentional weed to neighbors
  • Delicate appearance doesn't read as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract native bees and beetles seeking nectar and pollen. Its small stature makes it less significant for larger wildlife but valuable for smaller pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Quill Fameflower need?
Quill Fameflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Quill Fameflower bloom?
Quill Fameflower blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Quill Fameflower native?
Quill Fameflower (Phemeranthus teretifolius) is native to AL, DE, GA, KY and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Quill Fameflower attract?
Quill Fameflower draws bees and beetles.
Is Quill Fameflower HOA-friendly?
Quill Fameflower 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Quill Fameflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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

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