When does Proboscidea louisianica bloom?

Ram's Horn blooms from June through August, producing purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

What pollinators visit Ram's Horn flowers?

Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Proboscidea louisianica flowers.

Where is Proboscidea louisianica native?

Ram's Horn is native to 23 states including California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and many states throughout the southern and western regions of the United States.

What are the growing requirements for Ram's Horn?

Proboscidea louisianica thrives in full sun conditions and adapts to various moisture levels from dry to wet soils, making it a versatile native plant choice.

Is Ram's Horn HOA-friendly?

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

Ram's Horn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Proboscidea louisianica

Last reviewed: June 2026

Proboscidea louisianica (Ram's Horn) is a native annual forb found across the southern and western United States. It produces distinctive purple flowers from June through August and develops curved seed pods resembling ram's horns.

Ram's Horn (Proboscidea louisianica) — Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, FL, GA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains

Ram's horn is an unusual annual wildflower that produces distinctive curved seed pods resembling a ram's horns. The plant bears trumpet-shaped flowers in summer followed by the characteristic ornamental pods that are prized for dried arrangements.

Growing Ram's Horn

Grow Ram's Horn in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ram's Horn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Unusual appearance may seem out of place
Can look sprawling and unkempt

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

When does Proboscidea louisianica bloom?: Ram's Horn blooms from June through August, producing purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
What pollinators visit Ram's Horn flowers?: Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Proboscidea louisianica flowers.
Where is Proboscidea louisianica native?: Ram's Horn is native to 23 states including California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and many states throughout the southern and western regions of the United States.
What are the growing requirements for Ram's Horn?: Proboscidea louisianica thrives in full sun conditions and adapts to various moisture levels from dry to wet soils, making it a versatile native plant choice.
Is Ram's Horn HOA-friendly?: Ram's Horn 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 Ram's Horn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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