Greenthread
Thelesperma filifolium
Last reviewed: August 2026
Thelesperma filifolium (Greenthread) is a drought-tolerant native forb producing yellow flowers from March through November across the Great Plains and Southwest.
Toxicity unknown
Greenthread (Thelesperma filifolium) 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"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AR, CO, KS, LA and 8 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, nectar insects
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Greenthread is a cheerful annual wildflower with bright yellow daisy-like blooms and fine, thread-like foliage. It flowers prolifically from spring through fall, creating masses of color in sunny, dry locations. This drought-tolerant native readily self-seeds and naturalizes in informal garden areas.
Growing Greenthread
Grow Greenthread in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Greenthread is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Requires seasonal replanting
- May have messy dieback
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies and other beneficial insects from spring through fall. Seeds also attract small birds later in the season.
Common questions
- Where does Thelesperma filifolium naturally grow?
- Greenthread is native to the Great Plains and southwestern United States, including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
- When does Greenthread bloom?
- Thelesperma filifolium has an exceptionally long blooming period, producing flowers from March through November in favorable conditions.
- What pollinators visit Greenthread flowers?
- Greenthread attracts butterflies and various nectar-feeding insects with its bright yellow flowers and long bloom season.
- What growing conditions does Thelesperma filifolium prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscaping and natural areas.
- Is Greenthread HOA-friendly?
- Greenthread is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Greenthread? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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