How much sun does Five-horn Smotherweed need?

Five-horn Smotherweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Five-horn Smotherweed bloom?

Five-horn Smotherweed blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Five-horn Smotherweed native?

Five-horn Smotherweed (Bassia hyssopifolia) is native to UT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Five-horn Smotherweed toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Five-horn Smotherweed as toxic to livestock.

Is Five-horn Smotherweed HOA-friendly?

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

Five-horn Smotherweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bassia hyssopifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Five-horn Smotherweed as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran 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.

Common questions

How much sun does Five-horn Smotherweed need?: Five-horn Smotherweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Five-horn Smotherweed bloom?: Five-horn Smotherweed blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Five-horn Smotherweed native?: Five-horn Smotherweed (Bassia hyssopifolia) is native to UT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Five-horn Smotherweed toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Five-horn Smotherweed as toxic to livestock.
Is Five-horn Smotherweed HOA-friendly?: Five-horn Smotherweed 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 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 Five-horn Smotherweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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