Scarlet Pea
Indigofera miniata
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Scarlet Pea (Indigofera miniata) 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
3"–6" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, KS, LA and 2 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Scarlet Pea is a low-growing native wildflower that forms spreading mats of small compound leaves. It produces tiny orange-red pea flowers nearly year-round, creating consistent color in sunny, dry areas. This drought-tolerant groundcover works well as a living mulch or border edging.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scarlet Pea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies and other small pollinators throughout most of the growing season. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scarlet Pea need?
- Scarlet Pea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Scarlet Pea bloom?
- Scarlet Pea blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Scarlet Pea native?
- Scarlet Pea (Indigofera miniata) is native to AL, FL, KS, LA and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Scarlet Pea attract?
- Scarlet Pea draws butterflies.
- Is Scarlet Pea HOA-friendly?
- Scarlet Pea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Scarlet Pea? 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