American Cotton
Gossypium hirsutum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
NC
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Cotton? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz