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Cut-Leaf Ironplant

Xanthisma spinulosum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Cut-Leaf Ironplant (Xanthisma spinulosum)
Photo: (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley

Toxicity unknown

Cut-Leaf Ironplant (Xanthisma spinulosum) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and Range

Spiny goldaster is a small native wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from summer through early fall. This compact annual thrives in sunny, dry conditions and requires minimal care once established. Its small stature makes it suitable for front borders or mixed plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cut-Leaf Ironplant is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Annual nature requires replanting each year
  • May self-seed unpredictably

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the growing season. As a native plant, it provides important nectar sources during late summer when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Cut-Leaf Ironplant need?
Cut-Leaf Ironplant grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cut-Leaf Ironplant bloom?
Cut-Leaf Ironplant blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Cut-Leaf Ironplant native?
Cut-Leaf Ironplant (Xanthisma spinulosum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cut-Leaf Ironplant attract?
Cut-Leaf Ironplant draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Cut-Leaf Ironplant HOA-friendly?
Cut-Leaf Ironplant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Cut-Leaf Ironplant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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