How much sun does Shieldplant need?

Shieldplant grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Shieldplant bloom?

Shieldplant blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Shieldplant native?

Shieldplant (Streptanthus tortuosus) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Shieldplant attract?

Shieldplant draws bees and butterflies.

Is Shieldplant HOA-friendly?

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

Shieldplant

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Streptanthus tortuosus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Shieldplant (Streptanthus tortuosus) 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"–24" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, NV, OR

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 437 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 Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley

Shieldplant is a compact native wildflower that produces delicate clusters of small flowers in late spring and summer. This drought-tolerant perennial maintains a low, tidy profile and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shieldplant 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.

Appears too wild and informal for most HOA standards
May be perceived as weedy by neighbors unfamiliar with native plants
Unknown leaf retention could create untidy appearance in off-season

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the May through July bloom period. This plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators during the late spring and early summer months.

Common questions

How much sun does Shieldplant need?: Shieldplant grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shieldplant bloom?: Shieldplant blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Shieldplant native?: Shieldplant (Streptanthus tortuosus) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Shieldplant attract?: Shieldplant draws bees and butterflies.
Is Shieldplant HOA-friendly?: Shieldplant 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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