Stinging Serpent
Cevallia sinuata
Last reviewed: June 2026
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
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.
Ready to grow Stinging Serpent? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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