How much sun does Whiskerbrush need?

Whiskerbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Whiskerbrush bloom?

Whiskerbrush blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Whiskerbrush native?

Whiskerbrush (Leptosiphon ciliatus) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Whiskerbrush attract?

Whiskerbrush draws bees and flies.

Whiskerbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Leptosiphon ciliatus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Whiskerbrush (Leptosiphon ciliatus) is a annual forb native to CA, NV, OR. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Whiskerbrush (Leptosiphon ciliatus) 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

3"–10" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees, flies

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

A small annual wildflower with fringed, needle-like leaves and clusters of tiny pink to lavender tubular flowers at the stem tips in spring. Forms a low, tidy carpet in open grassy areas.

Growing Whiskerbrush

Grow Whiskerbrush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 3 to 10 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its small spring flowers provide nectar for small native bees and pollinating flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Whiskerbrush need?: Whiskerbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Whiskerbrush bloom?: Whiskerbrush blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Whiskerbrush native?: Whiskerbrush (Leptosiphon ciliatus) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Whiskerbrush attract?: Whiskerbrush draws bees and flies.

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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