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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius) 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

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

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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