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Hairy Pinweed

Lechea mucronata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata)
Photo: Reuven Martin / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata) 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

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

High PlainsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsGreat PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Hairy pinweed is a small, low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps in sunny, dry locations. This drought-tolerant plant produces tiny inconspicuous flowers from summer through early fall and naturally occurs in sandy soils and prairies. Its modest size and unassuming appearance make it better suited for naturalized areas than formal landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Pinweed 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.

  • Very small flowers are barely visible
  • Low growth habit can appear weedy
  • May look sparse or untidy in formal settings

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Its low, dense growth provides minor habitat for ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Pinweed need?
Hairy Pinweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hairy Pinweed bloom?
Hairy Pinweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Hairy Pinweed native?
Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hairy Pinweed attract?
Hairy Pinweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Hairy Pinweed HOA-friendly?
Hairy Pinweed 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

See all plant problem guides

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