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Roundfruit Hedgehyssop

Gratiola virginiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Roundfruit Hedgehyssop (Gratiola virginiana)
Photo: (c) NC Wetlands, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by NC Wetlands

Toxicity unknown

Roundfruit Hedgehyssop (Gratiola virginiana) 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

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 22 more states

Pollinators

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Roundfruit hedgehyssop is a small native perennial that forms low mats in moist areas. It produces tiny white flowers throughout the summer months and thrives in consistently wet soils where many other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Roundfruit Hedgehyssop 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.

  • Very small scale makes it appear weedy
  • High water needs may cause irregular growth
  • Unknown leaf retention creates uncertainty about winter appearance

Wildlife value

This plant supports various pollinators including native bees and beneficial flies during its extended bloom period from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Roundfruit Hedgehyssop need?
Roundfruit Hedgehyssop grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Roundfruit Hedgehyssop bloom?
Roundfruit Hedgehyssop blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Roundfruit Hedgehyssop native?
Roundfruit Hedgehyssop (Gratiola virginiana) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Roundfruit Hedgehyssop attract?
Roundfruit Hedgehyssop draws bees and flies.
Is Roundfruit Hedgehyssop HOA-friendly?
Roundfruit Hedgehyssop 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 Roundfruit Hedgehyssop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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