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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Western Gromwell (Lithospermum ruderale) 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.

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

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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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