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Poorjoe

Diodia teres

Last reviewed: August 2026

Poorjoe (Diodia teres)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Toxicity unknown

Poorjoe (Diodia teres) 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 × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 34 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 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

Arizona/New Mexico MountainsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainMadrean ArchipelagoAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Poorjoe is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small mats with tiny white or pink flowers. It blooms prolifically from late spring through fall, creating a delicate carpet effect in sunny areas. This drought-tolerant native thrives in poor soils and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Poorjoe 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.

  • Common name 'poorjoe' suggests weedy appearance
  • Annual habit creates gaps when plants die back
  • Very informal growth pattern looks unmanicured

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles throughout the long blooming season. Its low growth habit provides ground-level habitat for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Poorjoe need?
Poorjoe grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Poorjoe bloom?
Poorjoe blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Poorjoe native?
Poorjoe (Diodia teres) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Poorjoe attract?
Poorjoe draws bees and beetles.
Is Poorjoe HOA-friendly?
Poorjoe 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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