Plains Zinnia
Zinnia grandiflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Plains Zinnia is a drought-tolerant native shrub found across the southwestern United States from Arizona to Texas. This hardy plant produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from spring through fall.
Toxicity unknown
Plains Zinnia (Zinnia grandiflora) 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
part sun
Water
low
Size
6"–9" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, CO, KS, NM and 2 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Plains Zinnia is a compact, low-growing native perennial that produces cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers for most of the growing season. This drought-tolerant groundcover maintains a neat, mounded form and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Plains Zinnia
Grow Plains Zinnia in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 9 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Plains Zinnia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Requires annual shaping to stay compact
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and moths from spring through fall. Its extended flowering season makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators during hot summer months when other flowers may fade.
Common questions
- When does Plains Zinnia bloom?
- Plains Zinnia blooms for an extended period from March through November, providing nearly year-round color in suitable climates.
- What pollinators visit Plains Zinnia?
- Plains Zinnia attracts a variety of beneficial insects including butterflies, native bees, and moths, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
- Where is Plains Zinnia native?
- This species is native to the southwestern United States, naturally occurring in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- How much water does Plains Zinnia need?
- Plains Zinnia is extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Is Plains Zinnia HOA-friendly?
- Plains Zinnia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
See Plains Zinnia in a real native yard
Plains Zinnia is one of the natives used in these Patch Vision yard designs. Tap any one to see the before and after.
The after image is a Patch Vision preview, generated by an AI image model from the real yard photo. It replants the yard with native plants chosen to fit that yard's ecoregion, sun, and HOA strictness. The finished planting will look different.
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 Plains Zinnia? 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