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Clammy Goosefoot

Dysphania pumilio

Last reviewed: June 2026

Clammy Goosefoot (Dysphania pumilio)
Photo: Gabriele Kothe-Heinrich / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

NC

Clammy goosefoot is a low-growing native annual with small, somewhat sticky leaves that forms compact mounds in sunny areas. This drought-tolerant wildflower produces tiny greenish flowers from summer into fall and thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Appears very weedy and informal
  • Annual nature means gaps in coverage
  • Belongs to the goosefoot family which includes many agricultural weeds

Wildlife value

The small flowers provide nectar and pollen for various small native bees and beneficial insects during the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Clammy Goosefoot need?
Clammy Goosefoot grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Clammy Goosefoot bloom?
Clammy Goosefoot blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Clammy Goosefoot native?
Clammy Goosefoot (Dysphania pumilio) is native to NC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Clammy Goosefoot HOA-friendly?
Clammy Goosefoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Clammy Goosefoot? 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