How much sun does Wingnut Catseye need?

Wingnut Catseye grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Wingnut Catseye bloom?

Wingnut Catseye blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Wingnut Catseye native?

Wingnut Catseye (Cryptantha pterocarya) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Wingnut Catseye attract?

Wingnut Catseye draws bees and beetles.

Is Wingnut Catseye HOA-friendly?

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

Wingnut Catseye

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptantha pterocarya

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Wingnut Catseye (Cryptantha pterocarya) 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

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

Wingnut catseye is a small annual wildflower with tiny white or pale blue flowers that bloom from May through July. This compact plant forms low clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water, making it well-suited for dry garden areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wingnut Catseye 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
Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die
Informal wildflower appearance doesn't fit typical landscape standards

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and early summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Wingnut Catseye need?: Wingnut Catseye grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Wingnut Catseye bloom?: Wingnut Catseye blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Wingnut Catseye native?: Wingnut Catseye (Cryptantha pterocarya) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Wingnut Catseye attract?: Wingnut Catseye draws bees and beetles.
Is Wingnut Catseye HOA-friendly?: Wingnut Catseye 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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