Arrowleaf Butterweed
Senecio triangularis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Arrowleaf Butterweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arrowleaf Butterweed as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, flies
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 432 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
Arrowleaf butterweed is a native wildflower that produces clusters of bright yellow daisy-like blooms from June through August. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in partial sun and can reach up to 4 feet tall, making it ideal for areas with consistent water availability.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arrowleaf Butterweed 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.
- Name contains 'weed' which creates negative perception
- Can appear quite wild and informal in growth habit
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beneficial flies during the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Arrowleaf Butterweed need?
- Arrowleaf Butterweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Arrowleaf Butterweed bloom?
- Arrowleaf Butterweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Arrowleaf Butterweed native?
- Arrowleaf Butterweed (Senecio triangularis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Arrowleaf Butterweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Arrowleaf Butterweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Arrowleaf Butterweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Arrowleaf Butterweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Arrowleaf Butterweed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arrowleaf Butterweed as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Arrowleaf Butterweed attract?
- Arrowleaf Butterweed draws bees, butterflies, and flies.
- Is Arrowleaf Butterweed HOA-friendly?
- Arrowleaf Butterweed 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Arrowleaf Butterweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz