Hairy Crabweed
Fatoua villosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
MO
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Fatoua 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.
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 Hairy Crabweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.