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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

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainMadrean Archipelago

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.

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.

Ready to grow Slender Snakecotton? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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