Wallflower Phoenicaulis
Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Wallflower Phoenicaulis (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides) 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
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides is a compact native perennial that forms low cushions of foliage topped with clusters of small spring flowers. This drought-tolerant plant stays small and tidy, making it suitable for rock gardens and dry areas where a low-maintenance groundcover is desired.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wallflower Phoenicaulis 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 uncommon plant that most HOAs would not recognize
- May appear weedy or unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
- Small size makes it easy to overlook or mistake for a weed
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract native bees and butterflies during an important early season period when few other flowers are available.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wallflower Phoenicaulis need?
- Wallflower Phoenicaulis grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Wallflower Phoenicaulis bloom?
- Wallflower Phoenicaulis blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Wallflower Phoenicaulis native?
- Wallflower Phoenicaulis (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Wallflower Phoenicaulis attract?
- Wallflower Phoenicaulis draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Wallflower Phoenicaulis HOA-friendly?
- Wallflower Phoenicaulis 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 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 Wallflower Phoenicaulis? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz