Wright's Rabbit-tobacco
Pseudognaphalium canescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Wright's Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium canescens) 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
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Wright's rabbit-tobacco is a compact annual wildflower with soft, silvery-gray foliage and small white flower clusters. It grows in a neat, upright form and blooms continuously from June through September. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wright's Rabbit-tobacco 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 'tobacco' which may concern neighbors
- Can appear weedy or wild to conventional gardeners
- Annual nature means gaps when plants die back
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer and early fall. The seeds also attract small birds and provide food for wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wright's Rabbit-tobacco need?
- Wright's Rabbit-tobacco grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Wright's Rabbit-tobacco bloom?
- Wright's Rabbit-tobacco blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Wright's Rabbit-tobacco native?
- Wright's Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium canescens) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Wright's Rabbit-tobacco attract?
- Wright's Rabbit-tobacco draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Wright's Rabbit-tobacco HOA-friendly?
- Wright's Rabbit-tobacco 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.
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 Wright's Rabbit-tobacco? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz