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Jointhead

Arthraxon hispidus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Jointhead (Arthraxon hispidus)
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Keisotyo assumed (based on copyright claims). / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Jointhead is a low-growing annual grass that forms small clumps in partial shade areas. This short-statured grass produces tiny flowers from summer through early fall and completes its life cycle in one growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Jointhead 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 typical of wild grasses
  • Annual lifecycle creates inconsistent coverage
  • Small stature may look unkempt in formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer and fall blooming period. As a grass, it may also provide some shelter for small ground-dwelling insects.

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 Jointhead fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.