How much sun does Steer's-head need?

Steer's-head grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Steer's-head bloom?

Steer's-head blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Steer's-head native?

Steer's-head (Dicentra uniflora) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Steer's-head HOA-friendly?

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

Steer's-head

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dicentra uniflora

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Steer's-head (Dicentra uniflora) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–6" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states

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 437 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 Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range North American Deserts

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Steer's-head need?: Steer's-head grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Steer's-head bloom?: Steer's-head blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Steer's-head native?: Steer's-head (Dicentra uniflora) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Steer's-head HOA-friendly?: Steer's-head 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 Steer's-head? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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