How much sun does American Burnweed need?

American Burnweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Burnweed bloom?

American Burnweed blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is American Burnweed native?

American Burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does American Burnweed attract?

American Burnweed draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Is American Burnweed HOA-friendly?

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

American Burnweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Erechtites hieraciifolius

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–60" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

American burnweed is a tall annual wildflower that produces clusters of small, fluffy white flowers from summer through fall. This native plant can reach up to 5 feet tall and naturally reseeds itself each year. It thrives in sunny locations with average moisture and provides late-season blooms when many other plants are finishing.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Burnweed 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.

Looks distinctly weedy and unkempt
Can self-seed aggressively
May be confused with actual weeds by neighbors

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, flies, and beetles during the late summer and fall blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds, particularly finches and other seed-eating species.

Common questions

How much sun does American Burnweed need?: American Burnweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Burnweed bloom?: American Burnweed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is American Burnweed native?: American Burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does American Burnweed attract?: American Burnweed draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is American Burnweed HOA-friendly?: American Burnweed 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 American Burnweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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