Steer's-head
Dicentra uniflora
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
2"–6" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Steer's-head is a diminutive alpine wildflower with distinctive white blooms that resemble tiny steer skulls with curved horns. This low-growing perennial forms small clumps of delicate foliage and produces charming flowers from April through June. It's best suited for rock gardens, alpine collections, or specialized native plant displays.
In an HOA neighborhood
Steer's-head takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in typical landscaping
- Specialized alpine plant may appear weedy or dead to untrained eyes
- Goes dormant after blooming leaving no visible presence
Wildlife value
This small wildflower provides nectar for small native bees and other tiny pollinators during spring blooming season. Its specialized alpine nature makes it less significant for general wildlife habitat compared to larger native plants.
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 Steer's-head fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.