When does Simsia calva bloom?

Bush Sunflower blooms for an extended period from March through November, making it valuable for late-season pollinator support.

What pollinators visit Simsia calva?

Butterflies are attracted to the flowers of Bush Sunflower, using it as a nectar source throughout its long blooming season.

Where is Simsia calva native?

Bush Sunflower is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it grows naturally in arid and semi-arid regions.

What growing conditions does Simsia calva need?

This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and native plant gardens.

Is Bush Sunflower HOA-friendly?

Bush Sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Bush Sunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Simsia calva

Last reviewed: June 2026

Simsia calva (Bush Sunflower) is a drought-tolerant native forb found in New Mexico and Texas that produces yellow blooms from March through November and attracts butterflies.

Bush Sunflower (Simsia calva) — Photo: (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Bush Sunflower is a compact native perennial that produces cheerful yellow daisy-like blooms from spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant forms a neat, rounded mound and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for Texas gardens.

Growing Bush Sunflower

Grow Bush Sunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bush Sunflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The extended bloom period provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators from March through November. Its seeds also attract birds during the fall and winter months.

Common questions

When does Simsia calva bloom?: Bush Sunflower blooms for an extended period from March through November, making it valuable for late-season pollinator support.
What pollinators visit Simsia calva?: Butterflies are attracted to the flowers of Bush Sunflower, using it as a nectar source throughout its long blooming season.
Where is Simsia calva native?: Bush Sunflower is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it grows naturally in arid and semi-arid regions.
What growing conditions does Simsia calva need?: This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and native plant gardens.
Is Bush Sunflower HOA-friendly?: Bush Sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Does Bush Sunflower fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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