Jerusalem-oak
Dysphania botrys
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Jerusalem-oak (Dysphania botrys) 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
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Jerusalem-oak
Jerusalem-oak is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 areaJerusalem-oak is a compact annual herb with distinctive lobed leaves that have a strong, aromatic scent. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in dense clusters from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soils and requires minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Jerusalem-oak 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.
- Has weedy appearance and growth habit
- Strong aromatic scent may be objectionable
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during its long blooming period from June through September. Seeds provide food for small birds and wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Jerusalem-oak need?
- Jerusalem-oak grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Jerusalem-oak bloom?
- Jerusalem-oak blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Jerusalem-oak attract?
- Jerusalem-oak draws bees and beetles.
- Is Jerusalem-oak HOA-friendly?
- Jerusalem-oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Jerusalem-oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz