Desert Zinnia
Zinnia acerosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Desert Zinnia is a compact native perennial that produces bright white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers throughout the summer months. This drought-tolerant plant forms a low, spreading mound that works well as a groundcover or border plant in sunny, dry locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert Zinnia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The cheerful blooms attract butterflies and native bees during the summer flowering season. This plant provides important nectar sources during hot, dry periods when other flowers may be scarce.
Common questions
- How much sun does Desert Zinnia need?
- Desert Zinnia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Desert Zinnia bloom?
- Desert Zinnia blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Desert Zinnia native?
- Desert Zinnia (Zinnia acerosa) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Desert Zinnia attract?
- Desert Zinnia draws butterflies and bees.
- Is Desert Zinnia HOA-friendly?
- Desert Zinnia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Desert Zinnia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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