Sea dahlia
Leptosyne maritima
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sea dahlia (Leptosyne maritima) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Sea dahlia (Leptosyne maritima) 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
12"–24" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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A fleshy-leaved perennial with finely divided foliage and large, bright yellow daisy flowers on long stalks. It grows on coastal bluffs exposed to salt spray, blooming heavily in late winter and early spring.
Growing Sea dahlia
Grow Sea dahlia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its early, abundant flowers are an important nectar source for native bees and butterflies along the coast.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sea dahlia need?
- Sea dahlia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sea dahlia bloom?
- Sea dahlia blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is Sea dahlia native?
- Sea dahlia (Leptosyne maritima) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Sea dahlia attract?
- Sea dahlia draws native bees and butterflies.
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 Sea dahlia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.