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Slender Snakecotton

Froelichia gracilis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Slender Snakecotton (Froelichia gracilis)
Photo: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Slender Snakecotton (Froelichia gracilis) 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

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Slender snakecotton is a graceful annual wildflower that produces delicate white flower spikes from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant native grows in an upright form and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Snakecotton 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.

  • Annual nature means gaps in landscape coverage
  • Common name includes 'snakecotton' which sounds undesirable
  • Can appear weedy or wild to conventional gardeners

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Snakecotton need?
Slender Snakecotton grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slender Snakecotton bloom?
Slender Snakecotton blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Slender Snakecotton native?
Slender Snakecotton (Froelichia gracilis) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Slender Snakecotton attract?
Slender Snakecotton draws bees and beetles.
Is Slender Snakecotton HOA-friendly?
Slender Snakecotton 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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