How much sun does True Babystars need?

True Babystars grows best in full sun conditions.

When does True Babystars bloom?

True Babystars blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is True Babystars native?

True Babystars (Linanthus bicolor) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does True Babystars attract?

True Babystars draws bees and beetles.

Is True Babystars HOA-friendly?

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

True Babystars

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Linanthus bicolor

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

True Babystars (Linanthus 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Northwestern Forested Mountains

Linanthus bicolor is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small, colorful blooms from April through June. This tiny native plant forms low mats only 2-8 inches tall and requires minimal water once established. It thrives in full sun locations and adds subtle color to rock gardens and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

True Babystars 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 small size makes it appear weedy or sparse
Annual lifecycle means gaps when plants die back
Informal wildflower appearance conflicts with manicured landscape expectations

Wildlife value

This native wildflower attracts beneficial bees and beetles during its spring and early summer flowering period. Its small stature makes it particularly valuable for supporting smaller native pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does True Babystars need?: True Babystars grows best in full sun conditions.
When does True Babystars bloom?: True Babystars blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is True Babystars native?: True Babystars (Linanthus bicolor) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does True Babystars attract?: True Babystars draws bees and beetles.
Is True Babystars HOA-friendly?: True Babystars 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.

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

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