Safflower
Carthamus tinctorius
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) 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
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Native alternatives to Safflower
Safflower is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Safflower is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Dyer's-saffron is an annual flower that produces bright orange or yellow thistle-like blooms from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant grows 2-4 feet tall with a relatively narrow spread, making it suitable for borders and cutting gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Safflower 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.
- Thistle-like appearance may be perceived as weedy
- Annual growth habit creates seasonal gaps
- Can self-seed aggressively if not managed
Wildlife value
The vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar sources during peak pollinator activity months.
Common questions
- How much sun does Safflower need?
- Safflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Safflower bloom?
- Safflower blooms in June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Safflower attract?
- Safflower draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Safflower HOA-friendly?
- Safflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Safflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.