Dumb-nettle
Galinsoga parviflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Dumb-nettle (Galinsoga parviflora) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, flies
Native alternatives to Dumb-nettle
Dumb-nettle 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.
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaGalinsoga parviflora is a small annual wildflower with tiny white daisy-like blooms that appear from summer through early fall. This humble plant grows in a bushy form and thrives in partial shade with moderate watering needs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dumb-nettle 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.
- Often considered a weed by conventional standards
- Very informal appearance with tiny scattered flowers
- May self-seed aggressively as an annual
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract various pollinators including bees and flies throughout the long blooming season from June through September.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dumb-nettle need?
- Dumb-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Dumb-nettle bloom?
- Dumb-nettle blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Dumb-nettle attract?
- Dumb-nettle draws bees and flies.
- Is Dumb-nettle HOA-friendly?
- Dumb-nettle 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Dumb-nettle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz