Hooker's Bur Ragweed
Ambrosia acanthicarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hooker's bur ragweed is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small greenish flowers from summer through early fall and develops characteristic spiny seed burs. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soils and requires minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hooker's Bur Ragweed 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.
- Common name includes 'ragweed' which concerns many HOAs
- Produces spiny burs that can be considered messy
- Can appear weedy and informal throughout growing season
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for small birds and rodents in fall and winter.
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 Hooker's Bur Ragweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.