How much sun does Spread Sandwort need?

Spread Sandwort grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Spread Sandwort bloom?

Spread Sandwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Spread Sandwort native?

Spread Sandwort (Arenaria lanuginosa) is native to AL, AZ, CA, CO and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Spread Sandwort attract?

Spread Sandwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Spread Sandwort HOA-friendly?

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

Spread Sandwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arenaria lanuginosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Spread Sandwort (Arenaria lanuginosa) 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

low

Size

2"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CO and 12 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago

Spread sandwort is a low-growing native perennial that forms dense mats of small foliage. It produces delicate white flowers from May through July and thrives in partial sun with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spread Sandwort 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 spreading habit can appear unkempt
May be perceived as weedy due to small size and groundcover nature
Unknown leaf retention could mean winter dormancy issues

Wildlife value

This plant supports native bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides ground-level habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Spread Sandwort need?: Spread Sandwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Spread Sandwort bloom?: Spread Sandwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Spread Sandwort native?: Spread Sandwort (Arenaria lanuginosa) is native to AL, AZ, CA, CO and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Spread Sandwort attract?: Spread Sandwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Spread Sandwort HOA-friendly?: Spread Sandwort 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.

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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