Tennessee Gladecress
Leavenworthia exigua
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, GA, KY, TN
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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A tiny annual wildflower that forms small rosettes of leaves close to the ground. It produces delicate white or pale purple flowers in spring before completing its life cycle by early summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tennessee Gladecress 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.
- Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in landscape
- Dies back completely after spring bloom
- Annual nature requires reseeding each year
Wildlife value
This small native provides early season nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Its compact size makes it suitable for supporting pollinators in tight spaces.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tennessee Gladecress need?
- Tennessee Gladecress grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tennessee Gladecress bloom?
- Tennessee Gladecress blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Tennessee Gladecress native?
- Tennessee Gladecress (Leavenworthia exigua) is native to AL, GA, KY, TN, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Tennessee Gladecress attract?
- Tennessee Gladecress draws bees and beetles.
- Is Tennessee Gladecress HOA-friendly?
- Tennessee Gladecress 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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