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Parachute Plant

Atrichoseris platyphylla

Last reviewed: June 2026

Parachute Plant (Atrichoseris platyphylla)
Photo: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, UT

Parachute plant is a low-growing annual wildflower native to the southwestern United States. It produces small daisy-like flowers from May through July, followed by distinctive fluffy seed heads that give the plant its common name.

In an HOA neighborhood

Parachute Plant 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.

  • Looks very weedy and wild
  • Annual lifecycle creates gaps in landscaping
  • Fluffy seed heads appear messy to most HOAs

Wildlife value

This native wildflower provides nectar for small pollinators including native bees and beneficial insects during its spring and early summer bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Parachute Plant need?
Parachute Plant grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Parachute Plant bloom?
Parachute Plant blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Parachute Plant native?
Parachute Plant (Atrichoseris platyphylla) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Parachute Plant HOA-friendly?
Parachute Plant 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 Parachute Plant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz