How much sun does Hooker's Bur Ragweed need?

Hooker's Bur Ragweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hooker's Bur Ragweed bloom?

Hooker's Bur Ragweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Hooker's Bur Ragweed native?

Hooker's Bur Ragweed (Ambrosia acanthicarpa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Hooker's Bur Ragweed attract?

Hooker's Bur Ragweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Hooker's Bur Ragweed HOA-friendly?

Hooker's Bur Ragweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hooker's Bur Ragweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Hooker's Bur Ragweed need?: Hooker's Bur Ragweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hooker's Bur Ragweed bloom?: Hooker's Bur Ragweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Hooker's Bur Ragweed native?: Hooker's Bur Ragweed (Ambrosia acanthicarpa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hooker's Bur Ragweed attract?: Hooker's Bur Ragweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Hooker's Bur Ragweed HOA-friendly?: Hooker's Bur Ragweed 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 Hooker's Bur Ragweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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