How much sun does Sharp-leaf Fluellen need?

Sharp-leaf Fluellen grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Sharp-leaf Fluellen bloom?

Sharp-leaf Fluellen blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.

Is Sharp-leaf Fluellen HOA-friendly?

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

Sharp-leaf Fluellen

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Kickxia elatine

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Sharp-leaf Fluellen (Kickxia elatine) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native alternatives to Sharp-leaf Fluellen

Sharp-leaf Fluellen is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Sharp-leaf fluellen is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small mats with tiny snapdragon-like flowers. It blooms from summer through fall with delicate yellow and purple flowers on trailing stems. This plant prefers partial shade and moderate moisture conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sharp-leaf Fluellen 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.

Trailing growth habit can appear weedy
Annual nature means gaps in coverage
Small size makes it look like a weed rather than intentional planting

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited, the small tubular flowers typical of this plant family generally attract small bees and beneficial insects during its long blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Sharp-leaf Fluellen need?: Sharp-leaf Fluellen grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Sharp-leaf Fluellen bloom?: Sharp-leaf Fluellen blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
Is Sharp-leaf Fluellen HOA-friendly?: Sharp-leaf Fluellen takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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