How much sun does Turnsole need?

Turnsole grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Turnsole bloom?

Turnsole blooms in July, August, and September.

What pollinators does Turnsole attract?

Turnsole draws bees and butterflies.

Is Turnsole HOA-friendly?

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

Turnsole

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Heliotropium indicum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Turnsole (Heliotropium indicum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Turnsole

Turnsole is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Turnsole is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small, curled clusters of tiny purple or white flowers from summer through early fall. This compact plant has soft, fuzzy leaves and a somewhat sprawling habit that works well as ground cover or filler in garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Turnsole 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.

Often considered a weed in conventional landscaping
Informal appearance may look unkempt to traditional gardeners
Self-seeds readily which some view as weedy behavior

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. Its extended flowering season provides a reliable nectar source during hot summer months when other plants may struggle.

Common questions

How much sun does Turnsole need?: Turnsole grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Turnsole bloom?: Turnsole blooms in July, August, and September.
Is Turnsole toxic to dogs?: Turnsole is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Turnsole toxic to cats?: Turnsole is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Turnsole attract?: Turnsole draws bees and butterflies.
Is Turnsole HOA-friendly?: Turnsole takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

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

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