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Five-horn Smotherweed

Bassia hyssopifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Five-horn Smotherweed (Bassia hyssopifolia)
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

UT

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsSonoran Basin and Range

Five-horn smotherweed is a compact annual forb that grows 6-24 inches tall with small leaves and inconspicuous flowers from August through October. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun conditions and requires minimal water once established. Despite being native, it has a somewhat weedy appearance and self-seeds readily.

In an HOA neighborhood

Five-horn Smotherweed 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.

  • Name includes 'smotherweed' which sounds undesirable
  • Can appear weedy and unkempt
  • May spread aggressively through self-seeding

Wildlife value

This plant provides late-season habitat and seeds for small birds and insects, though it does not attract significant pollinators.

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.

Does Five-horn Smotherweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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