When does saltmarsh fleabane bloom?

Saltmarsh fleabane typically flowers from July through October, producing small clusters of pink to purplish blooms.

What growing conditions does saltmarsh fleabane need?

It grows best in full sun with consistently high moisture, and it is commonly found in salt marshes, wet ditches, and other low-lying, moisture-retentive sites.

What insects visit saltmarsh fleabane flowers?

Bees, butterflies, moths, and flies are commonly seen visiting the flower clusters for nectar during the summer and fall bloom period.

Can saltmarsh fleabane grow in shadier spots?

It performs best in full sun to part sun and tends to flower and grow less vigorously as shade increases.

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: September 2026

Pluchea odorata, or saltmarsh fleabane, is a forb that blooms from July through October in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, often found in coastal marshes, ditches, and low wet meadows.

Toxicity unknown

Saltmarsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata) 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.

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

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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?: Saltmarsh fleabane typically flowers from July through October, producing small clusters of pink to purplish blooms.
What growing conditions does saltmarsh fleabane need?: It grows best in full sun with consistently high moisture, and it is commonly found in salt marshes, wet ditches, and other low-lying, moisture-retentive sites.
What insects visit saltmarsh fleabane flowers?: Bees, butterflies, moths, and flies are commonly seen visiting the flower clusters for nectar during the summer and fall bloom period.
Can saltmarsh fleabane grow in shadier spots?: It performs best in full sun to part sun and tends to flower and grow less vigorously as shade increases.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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