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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hooker's Bur Ragweed (Ambrosia acanthicarpa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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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