Bitter Rubberweed
Hymenoxys odorata
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Bitter Rubberweed (Hymenoxys odorata) 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"–18" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, KS and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
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
Bitter rubberweed is a compact perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms throughout the summer months. This drought-tolerant native grows in a neat, low mound and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water needs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bitter Rubberweed 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.
- Name contains 'weed' which creates negative perception
- May appear too wild or informal for front yard standards
- Unknown leaf retention could mean messy dormant appearance
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles during its long summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bitter Rubberweed need?
- Bitter Rubberweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bitter Rubberweed bloom?
- Bitter Rubberweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Bitter Rubberweed native?
- Bitter Rubberweed (Hymenoxys odorata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Bitter Rubberweed attract?
- Bitter Rubberweed draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Bitter Rubberweed HOA-friendly?
- Bitter Rubberweed 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 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 Bitter Rubberweed? 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