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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

American Cudweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gamochaeta purpurea

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Cudweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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