How much sun does Stinking Camphorweed need?

Stinking Camphorweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Stinking Camphorweed bloom?

Stinking Camphorweed blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Stinking Camphorweed native?

Stinking Camphorweed (Pluchea foetida) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Stinking Camphorweed attract?

Stinking Camphorweed draws bees, butterflies, beetles, and wasps.

Is Stinking Camphorweed HOA-friendly?

Stinking Camphorweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Stinking Camphorweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pluchea foetida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Stinking Camphorweed (Pluchea foetida) 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

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles, wasps

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Stinking camphorweed is a native perennial that produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers from summer through early fall. Despite its unflattering common name, it's a valuable pollinator plant that grows in a compact, bushy form.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stinking Camphorweed 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 'stinking' and 'weed'
Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional gardeners
May be confused with actual weeds by neighbors

Wildlife value

This plant attracts a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, beetles, and wasps during its long blooming period. It's particularly valuable for late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished.

Common questions

How much sun does Stinking Camphorweed need?: Stinking Camphorweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Stinking Camphorweed bloom?: Stinking Camphorweed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Stinking Camphorweed native?: Stinking Camphorweed (Pluchea foetida) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Stinking Camphorweed attract?: Stinking Camphorweed draws bees, butterflies, beetles, and wasps.
Is Stinking Camphorweed HOA-friendly?: Stinking Camphorweed 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Stinking Camphorweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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