How much sun does Whispering-bells need?

Whispering-bells grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Whispering-bells bloom?

Whispering-bells blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Whispering-bells native?

Whispering-bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Whispering-bells

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Emmenanthe penduliflora

Last reviewed: September 2026

Whispering-bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, NV, UT. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Whispering-bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) 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

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, UT

Pollinators

bees

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

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A slender annual wildflower called whispering bells, with sticky, textured leaves and nodding, papery pale yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring. Often appears abundantly after wildfire.

Growing Whispering-bells

Grow Whispering-bells in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its nodding spring flowers provide nectar for native bees, especially in post-fire landscapes where it flushes heavily.

Common questions

How much sun does Whispering-bells need?: Whispering-bells grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Whispering-bells bloom?: Whispering-bells blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Whispering-bells native?: Whispering-bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Whispering-bells attract?: Whispering-bells 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.

See all plant problem guides

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

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