How much sun does American deerweed need?

American deerweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American deerweed bloom?

American deerweed blooms in April, May, June, and July.

Where is American deerweed native?

American deerweed (Acmispon americanus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does American deerweed host?

American deerweed is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

American deerweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acmispon americanus

Last reviewed: November 2026

American deerweed (Acmispon americanus) is a annual forb native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for American deerweed, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

American deerweed (Acmispon americanus) 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"–20" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees

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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like American deerweed.

Try it with your yard

A slender, sprawling annual legume with small trifoliate leaves and tiny white to pinkish pea flowers borne singly along the stems. Widespread as a low, informal groundcover on open disturbed ground and grasslands.

Growing American deerweed

Grow American deerweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 20 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery blue.

As a nitrogen-fixing legume it enriches soil, and its foliage serves as a larval host for silvery blue butterflies.

Common questions

How much sun does American deerweed need?: American deerweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American deerweed bloom?: American deerweed blooms in April, May, June, and July.
Where is American deerweed native?: American deerweed (Acmispon americanus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does American deerweed host?: American deerweed is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

Ready to grow American deerweed? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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