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Bitter Rubberweed

Hymenoxys odorata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bitter Rubberweed (Hymenoxys odorata)
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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 area

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.

See all plant problem guides

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