Skeleton-weed
Eriogonum deflexum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Skeleton-weed (Eriogonum deflexum) 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
4"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Skeleton-weed is a low-growing annual wildflower with delicate branching stems and small clusters of white to pink flowers. It blooms from summer through early fall, creating an airy, fine-textured appearance in dry garden areas. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun locations with minimal water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
Skeleton-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.
- Common name 'skeleton-weed' has negative connotations
- Annual growth creates gaps when plants die back
- Delicate branching structure can appear weedy or unkempt
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for various bees and beetles throughout the growing season. Its extended flowering time makes it a valuable late-season pollinator resource.
Common questions
- How much sun does Skeleton-weed need?
- Skeleton-weed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Skeleton-weed bloom?
- Skeleton-weed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Skeleton-weed native?
- Skeleton-weed (Eriogonum deflexum) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Skeleton-weed attract?
- Skeleton-weed draws bees and beetles.
- Is Skeleton-weed HOA-friendly?
- Skeleton-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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Skeleton-weed? 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