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Stinging Serpent

Cevallia sinuata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Stinging Serpent (Cevallia sinuata)
Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Stinging Serpent (Cevallia sinuata) 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"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, NM, OK, TX

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 459 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

North American DesertsArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsMadrean Archipelago

Stinging serpent is a low-growing annual wildflower with deeply lobed leaves and small yellow blooms that appear through the warm months. The plant has stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation when touched, similar to nettles.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Stinging Serpent 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.

  • Stinging hairs pose safety hazard near walkways
  • Annual growth creates gaps in plantings
  • Wild appearance doesn't fit formal landscaping

Wildlife value

This native annual provides nectar for bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Stinging Serpent need?
Stinging Serpent grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Stinging Serpent bloom?
Stinging Serpent blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Stinging Serpent native?
Stinging Serpent (Cevallia sinuata) is native to AZ, NM, OK, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Stinging Serpent attract?
Stinging Serpent draws bees and beetles.
Is Stinging Serpent HOA-friendly?
Stinging Serpent 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

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