When does Daucus pusillus bloom?

Rattlesnake-weed blooms from May through August, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators.

Where is Daucus pusillus native?

This plant is native to 23 states including much of the South, Southwest, and portions of the Pacific Northwest, from Alabama and Florida to California, Oregon, and Washington.

What growing conditions does Rattlesnake-weed prefer?

Daucus pusillus thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and natural areas.

What pollinators visit Daucus pusillus?

The small flowers of Rattlesnake-weed attract a diverse array of pollinators including bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.

Is Rattlesnake-weed HOA-friendly?

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

Rattlesnake-weed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Daucus pusillus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Daucus pusillus (Rattlesnake-weed) is a native forb found across much of the United States that blooms from May through August. This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in full sun and attracts bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.

Rattlesnake-weed (Daucus pusillus) — Photo: Stickpen / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, wasps, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Rattlesnake-weed is a small annual wildflower that produces delicate white flower clusters resembling tiny Queen Anne's lace from late spring through summer. This compact native reaches only 4-16 inches tall and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.

Growing Rattlesnake-weed

Grow Rattlesnake-weed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 2 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rattlesnake-weed 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.

Name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns
Small size and informal appearance can look unintentional
Annual nature means gaps when plants die back

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract a diverse array of beneficial insects including native bees, beetles, wasps, and flies throughout the long blooming season.

Common questions

When does Daucus pusillus bloom?: Rattlesnake-weed blooms from May through August, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
Where is Daucus pusillus native?: This plant is native to 23 states including much of the South, Southwest, and portions of the Pacific Northwest, from Alabama and Florida to California, Oregon, and Washington.
What growing conditions does Rattlesnake-weed prefer?: Daucus pusillus thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and natural areas.
What pollinators visit Daucus pusillus?: The small flowers of Rattlesnake-weed attract a diverse array of pollinators including bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.
Is Rattlesnake-weed HOA-friendly?: Rattlesnake-weed 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 Rattlesnake-weed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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