Is California Tea safe for pets?

Yes, California Tea (Rupertia Physodes) is considered safe for cats and dogs.

Is California Tea easy to care for?

California Tea has a easy care difficulty rating. It requires low to medium watering and partial_shade or full_sun light.

Can California Tea grow indoors?

California Tea is primarily an outdoor plant and may not thrive indoors without specialized conditions.

California Tea (Rupertia Physodes) is a perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires low to medium watering and partial shade or full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. This plant is safe for cats and dogs.

Rupertia physodes is a perennial legume native to western North America, known for its low, bushy habit and suitability as ground cover in shady spots.

Last updated: February 2026

California Tea

Rupertia Physodes

Rupertia physodes is a perennial legume native to western North America, known for its low, bushy habit and suitability as ground cover in shady spots.

Quick Facts

Type

shrub

Lifecycle

perennial

Care Difficulty

Easy

Water Needs

low to medium

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Hardiness Zones

7-10

Safety

🐕

Pet Safe

👶

Child Safe

✅

Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, rocky

Indoor:No

Outdoor:Yes

Garden Use:groundcover, nitrogen fixer, pollinator attractor, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for California Tea

Jan

Prune

Feb

Fertilize

Mar

Repot

Apr

Water+

May

...

Jun

...

Jul

...

Aug

...

Sep

...

Oct

...

Nov

...

Dec

...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

View leaf details, flowers, seeds & more in the app

Taxonomy

Family:Fabaceae

Genus:Rupertia