Spiny Sheepbur
Lappula occidentalis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spiny Sheepbur (Lappula occidentalis) 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
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 18 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz