Whitehead Navarretia
Navarretia leucocephala
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Whitehead navarretia is a small annual wildflower that forms low mats of delicate foliage topped with tiny white flower clusters. This diminutive native blooms from May through July and requires minimal water once established. As an annual, it will reseed itself in suitable conditions but may not return reliably every year.
In an HOA neighborhood
Whitehead Navarretia 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 size makes it appear weedy in formal landscapes
- Annual nature means unpredictable presence year to year
- May not establish reliably enough for consistent appearance
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late spring and summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it useful for supporting pollinators in small spaces and rock gardens.
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.
Does Whitehead Navarretia fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.