How much sun does Pigweed need?

Pigweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pigweed bloom?

Pigweed blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Pigweed native?

Pigweed (Chenopodium berlandieri) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pigweed attract?

Pigweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Pigweed HOA-friendly?

Pigweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pigweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chenopodium berlandieri

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pigweed (Chenopodium berlandieri) 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

12"–48" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 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 445 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California 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 Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Pigweed is a tall annual wildflower that produces dense clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers from summer into fall. This native plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and thrives in poor soils with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pigweed 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.

Appears weedy and unkempt
Self-seeds aggressively
Often considered a garden weed

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming period from July through September. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Pigweed need?: Pigweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pigweed bloom?: Pigweed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Pigweed native?: Pigweed (Chenopodium berlandieri) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pigweed attract?: Pigweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Pigweed HOA-friendly?: Pigweed 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Pigweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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