Trailplant
Adenocaulon bicolor
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Trailplant (Adenocaulon bicolor) 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"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, ID, MI, MN and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Trailplant is a woodland perennial with distinctive heart-shaped leaves that are green on top and white underneath. It produces small, inconspicuous white flowers on tall stalks during summer months and thrives in shaded garden areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Trailplant 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.
- Very informal woodland appearance
- Inconspicuous flowers may look weedy
- Dies back completely in winter
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract native bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for small birds and woodland creatures.
Common questions
- How much sun does Trailplant need?
- Trailplant grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Trailplant bloom?
- Trailplant blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Trailplant native?
- Trailplant (Adenocaulon bicolor) is native to CA, ID, MI, MN and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Trailplant attract?
- Trailplant draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Trailplant HOA-friendly?
- Trailplant 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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Trailplant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz