American Basketflower
Plectocephalus americanus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Plectocephalus americanus, or American basketflower, produces large pink to lavender thistle-like blooms from March through August across the southern Plains and prairies. It grows best in full sun with low water once established.
Toxicity unknown
American Basketflower (Plectocephalus americanus) 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
18"–60" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, KS, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Before you buy
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American Basketflower is a tall annual wildflower native to Texas with distinctive thistle-like purple blooms from spring through summer. This upright plant forms a narrow column and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
Growing American Basketflower
Grow American Basketflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 60 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Basketflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- May flop without support
- Best in less formal zones
Wildlife value
The long blooming season provides nectar for butterflies and native bees from March through August. The seeds also attract birds in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- When does American basketflower bloom?
- American basketflower typically blooms from March through August, with flowering often concentrated in the late spring and summer months depending on local rainfall.
- What pollinators visit American basketflower?
- The large composite flower heads attract butterflies and bees, which feed on the nectar-rich florets.
- How much water does American basketflower need?
- This forb tolerates low water conditions and is well suited to dry prairies, roadsides, and other sites with infrequent rainfall once it is established.
- What growing conditions suit American basketflower best?
- It grows best in full sun and open, well drained sites such as prairies, pastures, and disturbed ground typical of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas grasslands.
- Is American Basketflower HOA-friendly?
- American Basketflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow American Basketflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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