Burnweed
Erechtites hieracifolia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–60" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
American burnweed is a tall annual wildflower that grows quickly from seed each year. It produces clusters of small, fluffy white flowers from summer through early fall and has serrated leaves along its upright stems.
In an HOA neighborhood
Burnweed 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.
- Looks distinctly weedy and informal
- Can become quite tall and sprawling
- Self-seeds aggressively and may spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The summer and fall blooms attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. As an annual, it provides late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Burnweed need?
- Burnweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Burnweed bloom?
- Burnweed blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Burnweed native?
- Burnweed (Erechtites hieracifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Burnweed attract?
- Burnweed draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Burnweed HOA-friendly?
- Burnweed 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Burnweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz