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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Toothcup? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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