American Cudweed
Gamochaeta purpurea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
American Cudweed (Gamochaeta purpurea) 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
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CT and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Purple cudweed is a low-growing annual wildflower with small purple-tinged flower clusters and fuzzy gray-green leaves. It forms compact mats and blooms from late spring through early fall, thriving in sunny, dry conditions. This drought-tolerant plant readily self-seeds and naturalizes in sandy or poor soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Cudweed 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.
- Annual nature creates inconsistent coverage year to year
- Small stature and informal appearance may look weedy
- Can spread unpredictably through self-seeding
Wildlife value
The small flowers provide nectar for native bees and beetles throughout the long blooming season. Its extended flowering period offers consistent pollinator support from May through September.
Common questions
- How much sun does American Cudweed need?
- American Cudweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does American Cudweed bloom?
- American Cudweed blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is American Cudweed native?
- American Cudweed (Gamochaeta purpurea) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does American Cudweed attract?
- American Cudweed draws bees and beetles.
- Is American Cudweed HOA-friendly?
- American Cudweed 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 Cudweed? 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