How much sun does Pinyon Groundsmoke need?

Pinyon Groundsmoke grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pinyon Groundsmoke bloom?

Pinyon Groundsmoke blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Pinyon Groundsmoke native?

Pinyon Groundsmoke (Gayophytum ramosissimum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Pinyon Groundsmoke HOA-friendly?

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

Pinyon Groundsmoke

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gayophytum ramosissimum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pinyon Groundsmoke (Gayophytum ramosissimum) 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

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Great Plains

Gayophytum ramosissimum is a delicate annual wildflower with small white or pink flowers that bloom through summer. This low-growing plant has thin, branching stems and tiny leaves, creating a fine-textured appearance in the garden. It thrives in full sun with minimal water.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pinyon Groundsmoke 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.

Very small stature makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
Annual nature means gaps will appear when plants die
Delicate appearance may look like weeds to HOA boards

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited, this native plant likely supports small native bees and other pollinators during its summer blooming period. Its seeds may provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Pinyon Groundsmoke need?: Pinyon Groundsmoke grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pinyon Groundsmoke bloom?: Pinyon Groundsmoke blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Pinyon Groundsmoke native?: Pinyon Groundsmoke (Gayophytum ramosissimum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pinyon Groundsmoke HOA-friendly?: Pinyon Groundsmoke 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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

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