Squareflower
Paronychia erecta
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Squareflower (Paronychia erecta) 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"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, FL, LA, MS
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Squareflower is a low-growing native groundcover that forms small, compact mounds with tiny green leaves and clusters of small white flowers. This drought-tolerant plant blooms for an extended period from spring through summer, making it useful for filling in bare spots in sunny areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Squareflower 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 stature may appear weedy or unkempt
- Tiny flowers and foliage lack visual impact for formal landscapes
- May be mistaken for a weed by HOA reviewers
Wildlife value
While specific pollinator data is limited, the small flowers likely attract small native bees and beneficial insects during its long blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Squareflower need?
- Squareflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Squareflower bloom?
- Squareflower blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Squareflower native?
- Squareflower (Paronychia erecta) is native to AL, FL, LA, MS, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Squareflower HOA-friendly?
- Squareflower 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 Squareflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz