How much sun does Dyer's-saffron need?

Dyer's-saffron grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dyer's-saffron bloom?

Dyer's-saffron blooms in June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Dyer's-saffron attract?

Dyer's-saffron draws bees and butterflies.

Is Dyer's-saffron HOA-friendly?

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

Dyer's-saffron

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carthamus tinctorius

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dyer's-saffron (Carthamus tinctorius) 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

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Dyer's-saffron

Dyer's-saffron 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 area

Dyer's-saffron is an annual flower that produces bright orange or yellow thistle-like blooms from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant grows 2-4 feet tall with a relatively narrow spread, making it suitable for borders and cutting gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dyer's-saffron takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Thistle-like appearance may be perceived as weedy
Annual growth habit creates seasonal gaps
Can self-seed aggressively if not managed

Wildlife value

The vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar sources during peak pollinator activity months.

Common questions

How much sun does Dyer's-saffron need?: Dyer's-saffron grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dyer's-saffron bloom?: Dyer's-saffron blooms in June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Dyer's-saffron attract?: Dyer's-saffron draws bees and butterflies.
Is Dyer's-saffron HOA-friendly?: Dyer's-saffron 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Dyer's-saffron? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz