Hoary Pincushion
Chaenactis douglasii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hoary pincushion is a compact annual wildflower with fuzzy, silvery-green foliage and distinctive white to pale pink pincushion-shaped flower heads. It blooms from May through July and naturally reseeds in suitable conditions, creating naturalistic drifts in dry garden areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hoary Pincushion 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.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps and inconsistent appearance
- Can look weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping standards
- Self-seeding habit may appear uncontrolled
Wildlife value
This native wildflower attracts bees and beetles during its spring and early summer bloom period. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for various pollinators in xeric garden settings.
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 Hoary Pincushion fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.