Bush Sunflower
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.
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
Before you buy
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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.
See Bush Sunflower in a real native yard
Bush Sunflower is one of the natives used in these Patch Vision yard designs. Tap any one to see the before and after.
The after image is a Patch Vision preview. It replants the real yard photo with native plants chosen to fit that yard's ecoregion, sun, and HOA strictness.
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 Bush Sunflower? 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