How much sun does Tassel-rue need?

Tassel-rue grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Tassel-rue bloom?

Tassel-rue blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Tassel-rue native?

Tassel-rue (Trautvetteria caroliniensis) is native to AL, CA, CO, FL and 15 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Tassel-rue attract?

Tassel-rue draws bees and beetles.

Is Tassel-rue HOA-friendly?

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

Tassel-rue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Trautvetteria caroliniensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Toxicity unknown

Tassel-rue (Trautvetteria caroliniensis) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CA, CO, FL and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Southern Rockies Piedmont Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians

Tassel-rue is a native perennial wildflower with attractive maple-like leaves and fluffy white flower clusters that bloom from spring through summer. This shade-loving plant forms neat clumps and goes dormant in winter, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tassel-rue 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.

Disappears completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wild woodland appearance may look unkempt
Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The white tassel-like flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long blooming season from May through July.

Common questions

How much sun does Tassel-rue need?: Tassel-rue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Tassel-rue bloom?: Tassel-rue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Tassel-rue native?: Tassel-rue (Trautvetteria caroliniensis) is native to AL, CA, CO, FL and 15 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Tassel-rue attract?: Tassel-rue draws bees and beetles.
Is Tassel-rue HOA-friendly?: Tassel-rue 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 Tassel-rue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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