Red Inkplant
Phytolacca icosandra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red inkplant is a native perennial forb that grows 1-4 feet tall with attractive foliage and flowers from summer through fall. It prefers partial sun locations with moderate water and provides good seasonal color in desert gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Inkplant takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear weedy or unstructured
- May die back seasonally creating bare spots
- Not commonly recognized as ornamental landscaping
Wildlife value
This plant attracts both bees and butterflies during its extended blooming period from June through September, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
Common questions
- How much sun does Red Inkplant need?
- Red Inkplant grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Red Inkplant bloom?
- Red Inkplant blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Red Inkplant native?
- Red Inkplant (Phytolacca icosandra) is native to AZ, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Red Inkplant attract?
- Red Inkplant draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Red Inkplant HOA-friendly?
- Red Inkplant 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 Red Inkplant? 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