How much sun does Spiny Sheepbur need?

Spiny Sheepbur grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Spiny Sheepbur bloom?

Spiny Sheepbur blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Spiny Sheepbur native?

Spiny Sheepbur (Lappula occidentalis) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Spiny Sheepbur attract?

Spiny Sheepbur draws bees and beetles.

Is Spiny Sheepbur HOA-friendly?

Spiny Sheepbur takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Spiny Sheepbur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lappula occidentalis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Spiny sheepbur is a small annual wildflower that produces clusters of tiny blue or white flowers from June through August. The plant develops spiny, bur-like seeds that easily attach to clothing and fur, making it somewhat problematic in maintained landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spiny Sheepbur 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.

Produces spiny burs that stick to clothing and pets
Can appear weedy and unkempt
Self-seeds aggressively and may spread to unwanted areas

Wildlife value

This native annual provides nectar for bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. The seeds also provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Spiny Sheepbur need?: Spiny Sheepbur grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spiny Sheepbur bloom?: Spiny Sheepbur blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Spiny Sheepbur native?: Spiny Sheepbur (Lappula occidentalis) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Spiny Sheepbur attract?: Spiny Sheepbur draws bees and beetles.
Is Spiny Sheepbur HOA-friendly?: Spiny Sheepbur 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz