Small Wirelettuce
Stephanomeria exigua
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Small wirelettuce is a delicate annual wildflower with thin, wiry stems and small pink or white daisy-like blooms. It produces flowers from summer through fall, creating an airy, fine-textured appearance in the garden. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small Wirelettuce 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.
- Very informal appearance resembles weeds
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
- Thin stems and sparse foliage look unkempt
Wildlife value
The long blooming season provides nectar for bees and butterflies from summer into fall. As a native annual, it also produces seeds that benefit birds and small wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Small Wirelettuce fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.