How much sun does Twinflower need?

Twinflower grows best in shade conditions.

When does Twinflower bloom?

Twinflower blooms in June and July.

Where is Twinflower native?

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Twinflower attract?

Twinflower draws bees and beetles.

Is Twinflower HOA-friendly?

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

Twinflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Linnaea borealis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–8" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 area

Twinflower is a delicate native groundcover that forms low carpets of small, rounded leaves with pairs of tiny pink bell-shaped flowers in summer. This charming woodland plant spreads slowly by trailing stems and thrives in shaded areas where few other plants will grow. It goes dormant in winter, leaving behind a network of woody stems.

In an HOA neighborhood

Twinflower 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.

Looks sparse and woody when dormant
Very informal woodland appearance
Extremely low profile may appear patchy

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its June-July bloom period. Its low, dense growth provides cover for small woodland creatures and insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Twinflower need?: Twinflower grows best in shade conditions.
When does Twinflower bloom?: Twinflower blooms in June and July.
Where is Twinflower native?: Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Twinflower attract?: Twinflower draws bees and beetles.
Is Twinflower HOA-friendly?: Twinflower 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.

See all plant problem guides

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