How much sun does Dunbible-weed need?

Dunbible-weed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dunbible-weed bloom?

Dunbible-weed blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Dunbible-weed native?

Dunbible-weed (Ambrosia psilostachya) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Dunbible-weed attract?

Dunbible-weed draws bees and beetles.

Is Dunbible-weed HOA-friendly?

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

Dunbible-weed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ambrosia psilostachya

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dunbible-weed (Ambrosia psilostachya) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states

Pollinators

bees, 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 452 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

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Western ragweed is a drought-tolerant native perennial that produces inconspicuous greenish flowers from summer through fall. This low-maintenance plant spreads naturally and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dunbible-weed 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.

Common name includes 'weed' which creates negative perception
Spreads aggressively and can look unkempt
May trigger allergies due to pollen production

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season. As a member of the sunflower family, it provides late-season pollen when many other flowers have finished.

Common questions

How much sun does Dunbible-weed need?: Dunbible-weed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dunbible-weed bloom?: Dunbible-weed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Dunbible-weed native?: Dunbible-weed (Ambrosia psilostachya) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dunbible-weed attract?: Dunbible-weed draws bees and beetles.
Is Dunbible-weed HOA-friendly?: Dunbible-weed 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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