California rabbit-tobacco
Pseudognaphalium californicum
Last reviewed: September 2026
California rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium californicum) is a biennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
California rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium californicum) 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
12"–30" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
An upright woolly-leaved forb with clusters of small cream-white everlasting flowers at the stem tips in summer. Foliage has a soft felted texture that dries well for arrangements.
Growing California rabbit-tobacco
Grow California rabbit-tobacco in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Flowers offer late-summer nectar for bees and butterflies when many other blooms have finished.
Common questions
- How much sun does California rabbit-tobacco need?
- California rabbit-tobacco grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California rabbit-tobacco bloom?
- California rabbit-tobacco blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is California rabbit-tobacco native?
- California rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium californicum) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California rabbit-tobacco attract?
- California rabbit-tobacco draws bees and butterflies.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California rabbit-tobacco? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.