Red-maids
Calandrinia menziesii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Red-maids (Calandrinia menziesii) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 3 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees and flies.
Toxicity unknown
Red-maids (Calandrinia menziesii) 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 × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, NM and 3 more states
Pollinators
native bees, 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA low, spreading annual with fleshy leaves and small, cup-shaped magenta-pink flowers that open in sunlight. It carpets open grassland and disturbed ground in spring, then fades as the season dries.
Growing Red-maids
Grow Red-maids in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its abundant spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for small native bees and flies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Red-maids need?
- Red-maids grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Red-maids bloom?
- Red-maids blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Red-maids native?
- Red-maids (Calandrinia menziesii) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Red-maids attract?
- Red-maids draws native bees and flies.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Red-maids? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.