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.
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.
- Where is Hairy Crabweed native?
- Hairy Crabweed (Fatoua villosa) is native to MO, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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.
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 Hairy Crabweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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