Hemp
Cannabis sativa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
VA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hemp is a tall annual herb that can grow up to 10 feet tall with distinctive palmate leaves and small greenish flowers in summer. This fast-growing plant requires full sun and regular watering to reach its full potential. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hemp takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Legal restrictions and permits required
- Strong negative social stigma regardless of legality
- Can appear weedy and unmanicured
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. Seeds can provide food for birds if allowed to mature.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hemp need?
- Hemp grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hemp bloom?
- Hemp blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Hemp native?
- Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is native to VA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Hemp attract?
- Hemp draws bees and beetles.
- Is Hemp HOA-friendly?
- Hemp 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 Hemp? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz