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Tumbling-Ringwing

Cycloloma atriplicifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Tumbling-Ringwing (Cycloloma atriplicifolium)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states

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 432 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

Mojave Basin and RangeNorth American DesertsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSonoran Basin and RangeEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine BarrensSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Cycloloma atriplicifolium is a lesser-known native annual that forms a bushy, rounded plant with small, inconspicuous flowers. This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in sandy or disturbed soils and blooms throughout the summer months. It's primarily valued for its wildlife benefits rather than ornamental appeal.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tumbling-Ringwing 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.

  • Inconspicuous flowers appear weedy to many
  • Annual nature creates gaps in plantings
  • Common name 'winged pigweed' suggests weedy appearance

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for native bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. As a native annual, it also contributes to the local ecosystem by supporting specialized insects that depend on indigenous plant species.

Common questions

How much sun does Tumbling-Ringwing need?
Tumbling-Ringwing grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tumbling-Ringwing bloom?
Tumbling-Ringwing blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Tumbling-Ringwing native?
Tumbling-Ringwing (Cycloloma atriplicifolium) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Tumbling-Ringwing attract?
Tumbling-Ringwing draws bees and beetles.
Is Tumbling-Ringwing HOA-friendly?
Tumbling-Ringwing 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.

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