How much sun does Spreading Alkaliweed need?

Spreading Alkaliweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Spreading Alkaliweed bloom?

Spreading Alkaliweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Spreading Alkaliweed native?

Spreading Alkaliweed (Cressa truxillensis) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Spreading Alkaliweed toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spreading Alkaliweed as toxic to livestock.

Is Spreading Alkaliweed HOA-friendly?

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

Spreading Alkaliweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cressa truxillensis

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Spreading Alkaliweed as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

3"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, NM, NV and 4 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Spreading alkaliweed is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms small mats close to the ground. It produces tiny white or pale pink flowers from June through September and thrives in alkaline soils with minimal water.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spreading Alkaliweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifespan creates gaps and bare spots
Low growth habit may appear weedy
Unknown leaf retention makes appearance unpredictable

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for small native bees and other tiny pollinators during its extended summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Spreading Alkaliweed need?: Spreading Alkaliweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spreading Alkaliweed bloom?: Spreading Alkaliweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Spreading Alkaliweed native?: Spreading Alkaliweed (Cressa truxillensis) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Spreading Alkaliweed toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spreading Alkaliweed as toxic to livestock.
Is Spreading Alkaliweed HOA-friendly?: Spreading Alkaliweed 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 Spreading Alkaliweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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