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Golden Dogbane

Thymophylla pentachaeta

true

1 gallon

Golden Dogbane

In stock

1'x2'

Sizes:

Golden Dogbane – Thymophylla pentachaeta
Also known as: Golden Dyssodia, Five-Needle Pricklyleaf, Dogweed

Golden Dogbane is a finely textured, low-growing perennial native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, northern Mexico, and localized areas of California. Within California, it has a limited distribution in the Mojave National Preserve, primarily along either side of I‑15 extending to the Nevada border.

This delicate-looking perennial forms tidy mounds of fragrant, bright green, lacy foliage topped by small, golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom nearly year-round in favorable conditions. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, Golden Dogbane tolerates heat and drought with ease. While individual plants are often short-lived, they reseed freely, allowing them to sustain themselves in the landscape and even naturalize in open spaces.

Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is remarkably tough and adaptable. The vivid golden flowers provide welcome color throughout much of the year and are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies and native bees. It pairs beautifully with other low-growing desert perennials and works well in rock gardens, pollinator patches, or as a vibrant border planting.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Inferred for small butterflies including blue species (Lycaenidae), based on observed use; generalist pollinators including native bees and flies.
Bird Resources: Insects; Seeds
Bird Species: Confirmed: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); Inferred: general insectivorous species utilizing ground-level flowers and seeds.

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

1'x2'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

To rejuvenate

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.