Parachute Plant
Atrichoseris platyphylla
Last reviewed: June 2026

Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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