Spiny hopsage
Grayia spinosa
Last reviewed: October 2026
Spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states. It blooms in April and May.
Toxicity unknown
Spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa) 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
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states
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 459 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
A spiny, gray-branched desert shrub bearing small inconspicuous flowers followed by showy pink to red papery fruiting bracts that color the plant in late spring.
Growing Spiny hopsage
Grow Spiny hopsage in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Important browse for desert wildlife, and the dense spiny branching provides shelter for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spiny hopsage need?
- Spiny hopsage grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spiny hopsage bloom?
- Spiny hopsage blooms in April and May.
- Where is Spiny hopsage native?
- Spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Spiny hopsage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.