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.

Bitter Rubberweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hymenoxys odorata

Last reviewed: July 2026

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Ready to grow Bitter Rubberweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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