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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Spreading Alkaliweed (Cressa truxillensis) 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.

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

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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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