How much sun does Common Sandweed need?

Common Sandweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Common Sandweed bloom?

Common Sandweed blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Common Sandweed native?

Common Sandweed (Athysanus pusillus) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MT and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Common Sandweed attract?

Common Sandweed draws bees and flies.

Is Common Sandweed HOA-friendly?

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

Common Sandweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Athysanus pusillus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

1"–6" H × 1"–3" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, MT and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Common sandweed is a tiny native annual that forms small patches of delicate foliage in spring. This diminutive plant produces small clusters of white flowers from March through May before completing its lifecycle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Sandweed 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.

Extremely small size makes it appear incomplete or sparse
Annual lifecycle leaves bare spots after plants die
Can be mistaken for weedy growth due to informal appearance

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and flies during the spring blooming period. As a native annual, it provides habitat for soil-dwelling beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Sandweed need?: Common Sandweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Common Sandweed bloom?: Common Sandweed blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Common Sandweed native?: Common Sandweed (Athysanus pusillus) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MT and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Common Sandweed attract?: Common Sandweed draws bees and flies.
Is Common Sandweed HOA-friendly?: Common Sandweed 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 Common Sandweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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