Camphorweed
Heterotheca subaxillaris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Camphorweed is a drought tolerant forb with small yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from June through November. It grows well in full sun on sandy soils, dunes, and disturbed roadside areas.
Toxicity unknown
Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) 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"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 27 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Camphorweed is a native Texas annual that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from summer through late fall. This compact wildflower grows 1-3 feet tall and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.
Growing Camphorweed
Grow Camphorweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Camphorweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Requires seasonal replanting
- May have messy dieback
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies and native bees from summer into fall. Its abundant flowers make it particularly valuable for late-season pollinators.
Common questions
- When does camphorweed bloom?
- Camphorweed generally flowers from June through November, with small yellow daisy-like blooms appearing through summer and into fall.
- What pollinators does camphorweed attract?
- Camphorweed draws butterflies and bees to its late season yellow flowers, which provide a nectar source when many other plants have stopped blooming.
- What growing conditions does camphorweed need?
- This forb prefers full sun and well drained, often sandy soil, and it tolerates low water once it is established.
- Is camphorweed a good plant for a low maintenance garden?
- Yes, camphorweed handles heat, sandy soil, and dry spells well, making it suitable for low water plantings and disturbed or coastal sites.
- Is Camphorweed HOA-friendly?
- Camphorweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Camphorweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz