When does Saltmarsh Fleabane bloom?

Pluchea odorata blooms from July through October, producing clusters of small pink flowers that attract various pollinators.

What growing conditions does Pluchea odorata prefer?

Saltmarsh Fleabane requires full sun and high moisture conditions. It naturally grows in wetlands, salt marshes, and other consistently moist areas.

What pollinators visit Saltmarsh Fleabane?

Pluchea odorata attracts a diverse array of pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and flies to its nectar-rich flowers.

Where is Pluchea odorata native?

Saltmarsh Fleabane is native to 31 states across the United States, from coastal areas like Florida and California to inland states like Illinois and Kansas.

Is Saltmarsh Fleabane toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Saltmarsh Fleabane as toxic to livestock.

Is Saltmarsh Fleabane HOA-friendly?

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

Saltmarsh Fleabane

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pluchea odorata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Pluchea odorata (Saltmarsh Fleabane) is a native wetland forb that blooms from July through October across much of the United States. This full-sun plant attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and flies to its pink flower clusters.

Saltmarsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata) — Photo: Anthony Valois and the National Park Service / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Saltmarsh Fleabane as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 18"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

Saltmarsh fleabane is a tall native perennial that thrives in wet conditions and produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers from summer through fall. This moisture-loving plant works well in rain gardens and naturally wet areas where few other natives will grow. It dies back completely in winter and emerges late in spring.

Growing Saltmarsh Fleabane

Grow Saltmarsh Fleabane in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Saltmarsh Fleabane 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.

Common name includes 'fleabane' which sounds weedy
Can appear messy and informal when not in bloom
Requires consistently wet conditions that may look unkempt

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, moths, and beneficial flies from July through October. Seeds also provide food for birds in late fall.

Common questions

When does Saltmarsh Fleabane bloom?: Pluchea odorata blooms from July through October, producing clusters of small pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
What growing conditions does Pluchea odorata prefer?: Saltmarsh Fleabane requires full sun and high moisture conditions. It naturally grows in wetlands, salt marshes, and other consistently moist areas.
What pollinators visit Saltmarsh Fleabane?: Pluchea odorata attracts a diverse array of pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and flies to its nectar-rich flowers.
Where is Pluchea odorata native?: Saltmarsh Fleabane is native to 31 states across the United States, from coastal areas like Florida and California to inland states like Illinois and Kansas.
Is Saltmarsh Fleabane toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Saltmarsh Fleabane as toxic to livestock.
Is Saltmarsh Fleabane HOA-friendly?: Saltmarsh Fleabane 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 Saltmarsh Fleabane? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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