How much sun does Vinegar-weed need?

Vinegar-weed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Vinegar-weed bloom?

Vinegar-weed blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Vinegar-weed native?

Vinegar-weed (Trichostema lanceolatum) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Vinegar-weed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Trichostema lanceolatum

Last reviewed: November 2026

Vinegar-weed (Trichostema lanceolatum) is a annual forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Vinegar-weed, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Vinegar-weed (Trichostema lanceolatum) 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

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Vinegar weed is an upright annual forb with narrow leaves that release a strong vinegar-like odor when crushed, topped by spikes of curved blue flowers with long protruding stamens. It grows in dry open ground and disturbed sites.

Growing Vinegar-weed

Grow Vinegar-weed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The late-season blue flowers are heavily visited by bees, providing a notable nectar source after many other summer annuals have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Vinegar-weed need?: Vinegar-weed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Vinegar-weed bloom?: Vinegar-weed blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Vinegar-weed native?: Vinegar-weed (Trichostema lanceolatum) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Vinegar-weed attract?: Vinegar-weed draws bees.

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.

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

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