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Texas Snakeweed

Gutierrezia sarothrae

Last reviewed: October 2026

Texas snakeweed is a low, resinous shrub common on dry rangelands, plains, and rocky slopes, producing clusters of small yellow flowers from spring through fall.

Texas Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)
Photo: (c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Texas Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) 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.

Texas Snakeweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsNorthwestern Forested MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Texas Snakeweed is a compact native shrub that produces masses of small yellow flowers from spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant maintains a bushy form and provides nearly year-round color in challenging growing conditions.

Growing Texas Snakeweed

Grow Texas Snakeweed in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Texas Snakeweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • Requires annual shaping to stay compact

Wildlife value

The extended bloom period makes this an exceptional pollinator plant, supporting butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects for most of the growing season.

Common questions

How much water does Texas snakeweed need?
It does well with low to medium water and is suited to dry, rocky, or sandy soils typical of high plains and desert grasslands.
What light conditions does Texas snakeweed prefer?
It grows best in full sun to part sun, the conditions found on open rangeland and dry, exposed hillsides.
When does Texas snakeweed bloom?
It flowers over a long season, from spring into late fall, with small yellow blooms clustered at the branch tips.
What pollinators visit Texas snakeweed?
Bees, butterflies, and other nectar-seeking insects visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.
Is Texas Snakeweed toxic to livestock?
Texas Snakeweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is Texas Snakeweed HOA-friendly?
Texas Snakeweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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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