How much sun does Red shank need?

Red shank grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Red shank bloom?

Red shank blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Red shank native?

Red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Red shank attract?

Red shank draws bees and beetles.

Red shank

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Adenostoma sparsifolium

Last reviewed: November 2026

Red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Red shank, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium) 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

96"–240" H × 72"–144" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

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

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Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Large evergreen shrub or small tree with distinctive shredding reddish bark and fine, needle-like foliage. Produces small white flower clusters in late summer on dry, exposed slopes.

Growing Red shank

Grow Red shank in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 144 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Late-season flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles when few other shrubs are blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Red shank need?: Red shank grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Red shank bloom?: Red shank blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Red shank native?: Red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Red shank attract?: Red shank draws bees and beetles.

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 Red shank? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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