How much sun does Three-wing sand verbena need?

Three-wing sand verbena grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Three-wing sand verbena bloom?

Three-wing sand verbena blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Three-wing sand verbena native?

Three-wing sand verbena (Tripterocalyx micranthus) is native to CA, CO, KS, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Three-wing sand verbena attract?

Three-wing sand verbena draws moths and small bees.

Three-wing sand verbena

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tripterocalyx micranthus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Three-wing sand verbena (Tripterocalyx micranthus) is a annual forb native to CA, CO, KS, MT and 6 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw moths and small bees.

Toxicity unknown

Three-wing sand verbena (Tripterocalyx micranthus) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, KS, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

moths, small bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Great Plains

A low, sprawling annual with sticky, glandular stems and leaves, bearing small clusters of pale pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening. Grows on loose, sandy soil and dunes across the arid interior West.

Growing Three-wing sand verbena

Grow Three-wing sand verbena in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The evening-opening, fragrant flowers attract night-flying moths as well as some small bees during the day.

Common questions

How much sun does Three-wing sand verbena need?: Three-wing sand verbena grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Three-wing sand verbena bloom?: Three-wing sand verbena blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Three-wing sand verbena native?: Three-wing sand verbena (Tripterocalyx micranthus) is native to CA, CO, KS, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Three-wing sand verbena attract?: Three-wing sand verbena draws moths and small bees.

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.

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