Hairy Crabweed
Fatoua villosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hairy Crabweed (Fatoua villosa) 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native alternatives to Hairy Crabweed
Hairy Crabweed 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 areaFatoua villosa is a low-growing annual wildflower with small, hairy leaves and tiny inconspicuous flowers that bloom from summer through early fall. This weedy-looking plant spreads readily by seed and often appears in disturbed areas, garden beds, and along pathways. Despite being native, it has a very informal, scrubby appearance that most people would consider undesirable in cultivated landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy Crabweed 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.
- Has distinctly weedy appearance
- Self-seeds aggressively
- Considered undesirable by most gardeners
Wildlife value
This plant provides minimal documented wildlife value, with no specific pollinator associations noted. As an annual forb, it may offer some late-season seeds for small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Crabweed need?
- Hairy Crabweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Crabweed bloom?
- Hairy Crabweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Is Hairy Crabweed HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Crabweed 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Hairy Crabweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz