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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)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central Plains

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.

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.

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.

Does Slender Snakecotton fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

See it in the app

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