Turkey pea
Sanicula tuberosa
Last reviewed: October 2026
Turkey pea (Sanicula tuberosa) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small bees and flies.
Toxicity unknown
Turkey pea (Sanicula tuberosa) 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
6"–14" H × 6"–10" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
small bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A small, tuberous-rooted perennial in the carrot family with finely divided leaves and tight clusters of small yellow flowers in spring. It goes dormant by summer, leaving little trace above ground for the rest of the year.
Growing Turkey pea
Grow Turkey pea in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 14 inches tall and spread 6 to 10 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The small spring flower clusters attract small native bees and flies during a brief early-season bloom.
Common questions
- How much sun does Turkey pea need?
- Turkey pea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Turkey pea bloom?
- Turkey pea blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Turkey pea native?
- Turkey pea (Sanicula tuberosa) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Turkey pea attract?
- Turkey pea draws small bees and flies.
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.
- 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 Turkey pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.