How much sun does Hoary Pincushion need?

Hoary Pincushion grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hoary Pincushion bloom?

Hoary Pincushion blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Hoary Pincushion native?

Hoary Pincushion (Chaenactis douglasii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Hoary Pincushion toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hoary Pincushion as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Hoary Pincushion attract?

Hoary Pincushion draws bees and beetles.

Is Hoary Pincushion HOA-friendly?

Hoary Pincushion takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hoary Pincushion

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chaenactis douglasii

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hoary Pincushion as toxic to livestock.

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

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Hoary Pincushion need?: Hoary Pincushion grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hoary Pincushion bloom?: Hoary Pincushion blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hoary Pincushion native?: Hoary Pincushion (Chaenactis douglasii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Hoary Pincushion toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hoary Pincushion as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Hoary Pincushion attract?: Hoary Pincushion draws bees and beetles.
Is Hoary Pincushion HOA-friendly?: Hoary Pincushion 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 Hoary Pincushion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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