Beaked-sandbur
Solanum rostratum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Beaked-sandbur is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Beaked-sandbur is a spiny annual wildflower with yellow blooms from summer through early fall. This low-growing native produces thorny seed pods and thrives in sandy, dry soils with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beaked-sandbur 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.
- Sharp spines on stems and seed pods create safety hazard
- Common name includes 'sandbur' which sounds weedy
- Informal growth habit looks unmanicured
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during its extended blooming period. Seeds provide food for ground-feeding birds.
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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Beaked-sandbur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.