Texas Bull-nettle
Cnidoscolus texanus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Texas Bull-nettle (Cnidoscolus texanus) 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"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, KS, LA, OK and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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
Bull nettle is a drought-tolerant native perennial with deeply lobed leaves and clusters of small white flowers from late spring through summer. This plant has stinging hairs on stems and leaves that can cause skin irritation upon contact. It thrives in poor soils and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Texas Bull-nettle 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 concerns near walkways
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- May be considered a nuisance plant by neighbors
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its long blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Texas Bull-nettle need?
- Texas Bull-nettle grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Texas Bull-nettle bloom?
- Texas Bull-nettle blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Texas Bull-nettle native?
- Texas Bull-nettle (Cnidoscolus texanus) is native to AR, KS, LA, OK and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Texas Bull-nettle attract?
- Texas Bull-nettle draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Texas Bull-nettle HOA-friendly?
- Texas Bull-nettle 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Texas Bull-nettle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.