How much sun does Toothcup need?

Toothcup grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Toothcup bloom?

Toothcup blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Toothcup native?

Toothcup (Ammannia coccinea) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Toothcup toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Toothcup as toxic to livestock.

Is Toothcup HOA-friendly?

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

Toothcup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ammannia coccinea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Toothcup (Ammannia coccinea) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Toothcup as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 28 more states

Pollinators

bees

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Toothcup is a compact annual wildflower that thrives in wet soils and produces small pink to red flowers throughout summer and fall. This native plant naturally grows in marshes, pond edges, and other consistently moist areas. It requires constant moisture to perform well and may struggle in typical garden conditions without supplemental watering.

In an HOA neighborhood

Toothcup 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.

Very informal appearance resembles a weed
Requires constantly wet soil which is unusual for landscaping
Annual nature means gaps and bare spots each spring

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and other pollinators during its long blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Toothcup need?: Toothcup grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Toothcup bloom?: Toothcup blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Toothcup native?: Toothcup (Ammannia coccinea) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Toothcup toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Toothcup as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Toothcup attract?: Toothcup draws bees.
Is Toothcup HOA-friendly?: Toothcup 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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