How much sun does Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil need?

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil native?

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil (Hosackia gracilis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees and butterflies.

Is Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hosackia gracilis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil (Hosackia gracilis) 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

4"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, OR, WA

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

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains

Seaside bird's-foot trefoil is a low-growing native perennial with small yellow pea-like flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. This compact plant forms neat mounds and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established. Its small stature and tidy growth habit make it suitable for rock gardens, borders, and drought-tolerant landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season from May through August. As a member of the pea family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil need?: Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?: Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil native?: Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil (Hosackia gracilis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?: Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees and butterflies.
Is Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?: Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Seaside Bird's-foot Trefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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