How much sun does Showy Stickseed need?

Showy Stickseed grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Showy Stickseed bloom?

Showy Stickseed blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Showy Stickseed native?

Showy Stickseed (Hackelia floribunda) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Showy Stickseed attract?

Showy Stickseed draws bees and butterflies.

Is Showy Stickseed HOA-friendly?

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

Showy Stickseed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hackelia floribunda

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Showy Stickseed (Hackelia floribunda) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states

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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Showy stickseed is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small blue flowers from late spring through summer. This moderate-sized forb grows in a neat clump and thrives in partially sunny locations with average moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Showy Stickseed 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.

Seeds stick to clothing and pets
Common name includes 'weed'
May appear wild or unkempt to traditional landscapers

Wildlife value

The abundant small flowers attract various bees and butterflies throughout the extended blooming period. This plant provides valuable nectar resources during the active summer months.

Common questions

How much sun does Showy Stickseed need?: Showy Stickseed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Showy Stickseed bloom?: Showy Stickseed blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Showy Stickseed native?: Showy Stickseed (Hackelia floribunda) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Showy Stickseed attract?: Showy Stickseed draws bees and butterflies.
Is Showy Stickseed HOA-friendly?: Showy Stickseed 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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