San Diego Rabbit-tobacco
Pseudognaphalium microcephalum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
ID
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
San Diego rabbit-tobacco is a compact annual wildflower that forms low, silvery-gray mounds in the garden. It produces clusters of small white to pale yellow flowers from summer through early fall, creating a soft, textured appearance in dry landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
San Diego Rabbit-tobacco 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 contains 'tobacco' which may raise concerns
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional gardeners
- Annual nature means gaps when plants die back
Wildlife value
This plant attracts bees and beneficial beetles during its extended blooming period from June through September. Its flowers provide nectar resources during the hot summer months when many other plants have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does San Diego Rabbit-tobacco need?
- San Diego Rabbit-tobacco grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does San Diego Rabbit-tobacco bloom?
- San Diego Rabbit-tobacco blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is San Diego Rabbit-tobacco native?
- San Diego Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium microcephalum) is native to ID, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does San Diego Rabbit-tobacco attract?
- San Diego Rabbit-tobacco draws bees and beetles.
- Is San Diego Rabbit-tobacco HOA-friendly?
- San Diego Rabbit-tobacco 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 San Diego Rabbit-tobacco? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz