St. Catherine's Lace
Eriogonum giganteum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Eriogonum giganteum is a California native shrub that produces large clusters of white flowers from June through September. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths in coastal sage scrub habitats.
St. Catherine's Lace (Eriogonum giganteum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–96" H × 36"–96" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
St. Catherine's Lace is a dramatic native shrub known for its large, flat clusters of creamy white flowers that hover above silvery-gray foliage. This drought-tolerant buckwheat grows into a rounded shape 3-8 feet tall and wide, creating an architectural focal point in the landscape. The flowers age to a rusty brown color that provides winter interest.
Growing St. Catherine's Lace
Grow St. Catherine's Lace in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 96 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
St. Catherine's Lace is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Large size can become dominant if not given adequate space
- Brown seed heads may appear untidy to some
- May look too informal for very structured landscapes
Wildlife value
This plant is extremely valuable to native pollinators, attracting numerous bee species, butterflies, and moths with its abundant nectar-rich flowers. Birds will also visit the plant for seeds after flowering.
Common questions
- When does St. Catherine's Lace bloom?
- Eriogonum giganteum blooms from June through September, producing spectacular white flower clusters that can reach several feet across.
- What pollinators visit St. Catherine's Lace?
- This native shrub attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and moths during its summer and early fall blooming period.
- Where is Eriogonum giganteum naturally found?
- St. Catherine's Lace is endemic to California, particularly found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities in southern California and the Channel Islands.
- Is St. Catherine's Lace toxic to dogs?
- St. Catherine's Lace is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is St. Catherine's Lace toxic to cats?
- St. Catherine's Lace is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is St. Catherine's Lace HOA-friendly?
- St. Catherine's Lace is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow St. Catherine's Lace? 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