Sticky Calycadenia
Calycadenia multiglandulosa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sticky Calycadenia is a low water forb that blooms from June through September, favoring dry, sunny sites such as grasslands and rocky slopes with well drained soil.

Sticky Calycadenia (Calycadenia multiglandulosa) is not flagged as toxic to dogs or cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
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Sticky calycadenia is a native annual wildflower reaching 6-24 inches tall with resinous foliage and small white to pink flowers topped with yellow centers. It blooms throughout summer into early fall, adding delicate texture to dry gardens and naturalized areas.
Growing Sticky Calycadenia
Grow Sticky Calycadenia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sticky Calycadenia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual habit means plants will die back completely each year
- Resinous, sticky foliage may appear untidy
- Wild, informal growth pattern doesn't fit traditional landscape aesthetics
Wildlife value
This plant attracts native bees and beetles as pollinators, supporting local insect populations during its summer blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Sticky Calycadenia bloom?
- It typically flowers from June through September, with its small glandular flower heads appearing steadily through the summer months.
- How much sun and water does Sticky Calycadenia need?
- This forb does best in full sun and needs only low amounts of water once established, making it suited to dry, well drained sites.
- What pollinators visit Sticky Calycadenia?
- Bees and beetles are the main visitors, working the small flower heads during the summer bloom period.
- What kind of plant is Sticky Calycadenia?
- It is an herbaceous forb rather than a shrub or tree, growing low to the ground with a sticky, glandular texture on its foliage and flower heads.
- Is Sticky Calycadenia toxic to dogs?
- Sticky Calycadenia is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
- Is Sticky Calycadenia toxic to cats?
- Sticky Calycadenia is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
- Is Sticky Calycadenia HOA-friendly?
- Sticky Calycadenia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sticky Calycadenia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
