How much sun does Southern Colicroot need?

Southern Colicroot grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Southern Colicroot bloom?

Southern Colicroot blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Southern Colicroot native?

Southern Colicroot (Aletris obovata) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Southern Colicroot attract?

Southern Colicroot draws bees and beetles.

Is Southern Colicroot HOA-friendly?

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

Southern Colicroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aletris obovata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Southern Colicroot (Aletris obovata) 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

6"–24" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Southern colicroot is a compact native perennial that forms small clumps of basal leaves with delicate white flower spikes rising above in spring and early summer. This understated plant works well as a groundcover or accent in naturalized areas. It prefers partial sun and moderate moisture conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Southern Colicroot 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 small and inconspicuous appearance
May look weedy or unkempt to conventional standards
Unfamiliar plant that doesn't match traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees and beetles. Its compact size makes it a good choice for supporting pollinators in smaller garden spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern Colicroot need?: Southern Colicroot grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Southern Colicroot bloom?: Southern Colicroot blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Southern Colicroot native?: Southern Colicroot (Aletris obovata) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Southern Colicroot attract?: Southern Colicroot draws bees and beetles.
Is Southern Colicroot HOA-friendly?: Southern Colicroot 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.

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 Southern Colicroot? 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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

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