How much sun does Scarlet Spiderling need?

Scarlet Spiderling grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Spiderling bloom?

Scarlet Spiderling blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Scarlet Spiderling native?

Scarlet Spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea) is native to AZ, CA, FL, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Scarlet Spiderling attract?

Scarlet Spiderling draws bees and butterflies.

Is Scarlet Spiderling HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Spiderling takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Scarlet Spiderling

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Boerhavia coccinea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Scarlet Spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, FL, LA and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Scarlet spiderling is a low-growing native perennial with small, bright red to magenta flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. This drought-tolerant groundcover spreads moderately and thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Spiderling takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very informal appearance looks weedy to most HOAs
Small flowers and sprawling habit lack visual impact
May be confused with actual weeds by neighbors

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. Small native bees are particularly attracted to the tiny but numerous flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Spiderling need?: Scarlet Spiderling grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Spiderling bloom?: Scarlet Spiderling blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Scarlet Spiderling native?: Scarlet Spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea) is native to AZ, CA, FL, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Scarlet Spiderling attract?: Scarlet Spiderling draws bees and butterflies.
Is Scarlet Spiderling HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Spiderling 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

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