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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Whitehead Navarretia need?
- Whitehead Navarretia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Whitehead Navarretia bloom?
- Whitehead Navarretia blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Whitehead Navarretia native?
- Whitehead Navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Whitehead Navarretia attract?
- Whitehead Navarretia draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Whitehead Navarretia HOA-friendly?
- Whitehead Navarretia 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 Whitehead Navarretia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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