Florida Snake-cotton
Froelichia floridana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, DE and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, 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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Florida snake-cotton is a drought-tolerant annual wildflower that produces distinctive woolly white flower spikes from summer through early fall. This native plant grows in an upright form and thrives in hot, sunny conditions with minimal water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
Florida Snake-cotton 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.
- Appears weedy and informal
- Being annual creates gaps and bare spots
- Name includes 'snake' which may concern neighbors
Wildlife value
The long blooming period supports bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer and fall months. Its extended flowering season makes it valuable for pollinators when many other plants have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Florida Snake-cotton need?
- Florida Snake-cotton grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Florida Snake-cotton bloom?
- Florida Snake-cotton blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Florida Snake-cotton native?
- Florida Snake-cotton (Froelichia floridana) is native to AL, AR, CO, DE and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Florida Snake-cotton attract?
- Florida Snake-cotton draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Florida Snake-cotton HOA-friendly?
- Florida Snake-cotton 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.
Ready to grow Florida Snake-cotton? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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