How much sun does Telegraph-weed need?

Telegraph-weed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Telegraph-weed bloom?

Telegraph-weed blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.

Where is Telegraph-weed native?

Telegraph-weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Telegraph-weed attract?

Telegraph-weed draws bees and butterflies.

Telegraph-weed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Heterotheca grandiflora

Last reviewed: November 2026

Telegraph-weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) is a biennial forb native to AZ, CA, NV, UT. It blooms in June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Telegraph-weed, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Telegraph-weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) 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"–40" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, UT

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Telegraph weed is an upright, somewhat rangy annual to short-lived perennial forb with sticky, hairy leaves and bright yellow daisy flowers. It colonizes disturbed dry ground and roadsides.

Growing Telegraph-weed

Grow Telegraph-weed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The abundant summer and fall flowers attract a wide variety of bees and butterflies, making it a useful, if informal-looking, nectar source.

Common questions

How much sun does Telegraph-weed need?: Telegraph-weed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Telegraph-weed bloom?: Telegraph-weed blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
Where is Telegraph-weed native?: Telegraph-weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Telegraph-weed attract?: Telegraph-weed 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.

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