How much sun does Wild Begonia need?

Wild Begonia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Wild Begonia bloom?

Wild Begonia blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Wild Begonia native?

Wild Begonia (Rumex venosus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Wild Begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes. Wild Begonia is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Wild Begonia toxic to cats?

Yes. Wild Begonia is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Wild Begonia attract?

Wild Begonia draws bees and beetles.

Is Wild Begonia HOA-friendly?

Wild Begonia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Wild Begonia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rumex venosus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Wild Begonia is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 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 452 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 North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains

Wild begonia is a low-growing native perennial with distinctive broad, wavy leaves and clusters of small greenish flowers in late spring and summer. This drought-tolerant plant spreads by underground rhizomes and thrives in sandy soils, making it useful for challenging dry sites.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wild Begonia 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.

Has weedy appearance especially when not blooming
Common name includes 'wild' which signals informal appearance
May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

Provides nectar for bees and beetles during its May through July bloom period. The seeds also offer food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Wild Begonia need?: Wild Begonia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Wild Begonia bloom?: Wild Begonia blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Wild Begonia native?: Wild Begonia (Rumex venosus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Wild Begonia toxic to dogs?: Yes. Wild Begonia is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Wild Begonia toxic to cats?: Yes. Wild Begonia is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Wild Begonia attract?: Wild Begonia draws bees and beetles.
Is Wild Begonia HOA-friendly?: Wild Begonia 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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