How much sun does American Cotton need?

American Cotton grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Cotton bloom?

American Cotton blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is American Cotton native?

American Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is native to NC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does American Cotton attract?

American Cotton draws bees and beetles.

Is American Cotton HOA-friendly?

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

American Cotton

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gossypium hirsutum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) 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

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

American cotton is a tall annual plant that produces white fluffy fibers. It grows 2-5 feet tall with broad leaves and showy white to pink flowers followed by distinctive cotton bolls that split open to reveal white cotton fibers.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Cotton takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Strongly associated with agricultural crops rather than ornamental landscaping
Cotton bolls create messy appearance when they split open
May be perceived as too casual or farm-like for residential settings

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does American Cotton need?: American Cotton grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Cotton bloom?: American Cotton blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is American Cotton native?: American Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is native to NC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does American Cotton attract?: American Cotton draws bees and beetles.
Is American Cotton HOA-friendly?: American Cotton 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 American Cotton? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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