How much sun does Western Gromwell need?

Western Gromwell grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Western Gromwell bloom?

Western Gromwell blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Western Gromwell native?

Western Gromwell (Lithospermum ruderale) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Western Gromwell toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Western Gromwell as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Western Gromwell attract?

Western Gromwell draws bees and beetles.

Is Western Gromwell HOA-friendly?

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

Western Gromwell

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lithospermum ruderale

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Western Gromwell as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Western gromwell is a low-growing native perennial with small white to pale yellow flowers that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms compact clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Western Gromwell 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 small flowers may appear weedy to HOAs
Low growth habit can look unkempt
Unknown leaf retention creates uncertainty about winter appearance

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. It provides habitat value for local wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Western Gromwell need?: Western Gromwell grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Western Gromwell bloom?: Western Gromwell blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Western Gromwell native?: Western Gromwell (Lithospermum ruderale) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Western Gromwell toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Western Gromwell as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Western Gromwell attract?: Western Gromwell draws bees and beetles.
Is Western Gromwell HOA-friendly?: Western Gromwell 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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