How much sun does Chocolateweed need?

Chocolateweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Chocolateweed bloom?

Chocolateweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

What pollinators does Chocolateweed attract?

Chocolateweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Chocolateweed HOA-friendly?

Chocolateweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Chocolateweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Melochia corchorifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Chocolateweed (Melochia corchorifolia) 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

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Chocolateweed

Chocolateweed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Chocolateweed is a native annual herb that grows 1-3 feet tall with small flowers blooming from summer through early fall. Despite its common name, it produces attractive small blooms that support various pollinators throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Chocolateweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Common name includes 'weed' which creates negative perception
Annual growth habit means gaps and bare spots in landscape
Can appear scraggly or unkempt compared to typical landscaping plants

Wildlife value

This plant attracts bees and beetles during its extended bloom period from June through September. As a native annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for local pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Chocolateweed need?: Chocolateweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Chocolateweed bloom?: Chocolateweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
What pollinators does Chocolateweed attract?: Chocolateweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Chocolateweed HOA-friendly?: Chocolateweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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