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Schott's Calico

Loeseliastrum schottii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Schott's Calico (Loeseliastrum schottii)
Photo: joedecruyenaere / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, TX and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Schott's calico is a small annual wildflower that forms compact, low-growing patches with delicate blooms from April through June. This drought-tolerant native produces small, colorful flowers that add seasonal interest to desert gardens. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed under favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Schott's Calico 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.

  • Dies back completely as annual, leaving bare spots
  • Unpredictable germination and establishment
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional standards

Wildlife value

This native wildflower attracts bees and butterflies during its spring blooming period. Its small flowers provide nectar for pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Schott's Calico need?
Schott's Calico grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Schott's Calico bloom?
Schott's Calico blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Schott's Calico native?
Schott's Calico (Loeseliastrum schottii) is native to AZ, CA, NV, TX and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Schott's Calico attract?
Schott's Calico draws bees and butterflies.
Is Schott's Calico HOA-friendly?
Schott's Calico 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Schott's Calico? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz