Beachbur
Ambrosia chamissonis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Beachbur (Ambrosia chamissonis) 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
6"–12" H × 36"–60" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
wind
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 452 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
A sprawling, silvery-leaved perennial that forms loose mats across coastal sand, with coarse foliage and inconspicuous wind-pollinated flower spikes. Its informal, dune-hugging habit is functional rather than ornamental.
Wildlife value
Its deep, sand-stabilizing roots and low mat form provide cover for dune-dwelling insects and small animals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Beachbur need?
- Beachbur grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Beachbur bloom?
- Beachbur blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Beachbur native?
- Beachbur (Ambrosia chamissonis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Beachbur attract?
- Beachbur draws wind.
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Beachbur? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz