Spiny Sida
Sida spinosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, FL, LA, MI and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Spiny sida is a low-growing annual wildflower with small yellow blooms that appear throughout the summer months. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations and requires minimal watering once established. Despite being native, it has a somewhat weedy appearance and can self-seed readily.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spiny Sida 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.
- Has spines that may be considered undesirable
- Weedy appearance typical of aggressive annual plants
- Tends to self-seed and spread unpredictably
Wildlife value
The small yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators from July 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 Spiny Sida fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.