Stiff Tumbleweed
Amaranthus albus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AZ, CA, FL and 12 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Stiff tumbleweed is a low-growing annual wildflower with small, inconspicuous greenish flowers from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant plant forms bushy clumps that can break off and tumble when mature and dry.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stiff Tumbleweed 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.
- Common name includes 'tumbleweed' which has negative associations
- Can look weedy and unkempt throughout growing season
- May break off and blow around property when mature
Wildlife value
This plant provides seeds for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall when other food sources may be scarce.
Common questions
- How much sun does Stiff Tumbleweed need?
- Stiff Tumbleweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Stiff Tumbleweed bloom?
- Stiff Tumbleweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Stiff Tumbleweed native?
- Stiff Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus) is native to AL, AZ, CA, FL and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Stiff Tumbleweed HOA-friendly?
- Stiff Tumbleweed 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 Stiff Tumbleweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.