How much sun does Sticky desertsunflower need?

Sticky desertsunflower grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sticky desertsunflower bloom?

Sticky desertsunflower blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Sticky desertsunflower native?

Sticky desertsunflower (Geraea viscida) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Sticky desertsunflower attract?

Sticky desertsunflower draws bees and butterflies.

Sticky desertsunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geraea viscida

Last reviewed: September 2026

Sticky desertsunflower (Geraea viscida) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Sticky desertsunflower (Geraea viscida) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A sticky, glandular-haired perennial with coarse, triangular leaves and bright yellow, sunflower-like flower heads on branching stems. Grows on dry, rocky slopes and canyon habitat.

Growing Sticky desertsunflower

Grow Sticky desertsunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The bright daisy-like flowers attract a range of native bees and butterflies through the spring bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Sticky desertsunflower need?: Sticky desertsunflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sticky desertsunflower bloom?: Sticky desertsunflower blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Sticky desertsunflower native?: Sticky desertsunflower (Geraea viscida) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Sticky desertsunflower attract?: Sticky desertsunflower draws bees and butterflies.

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.

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