Species PlantsBitterweed

Bitterweed

Helenium amarum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Bitterweed (Helenium amarum)
Safety note: Can cause skin irritation.

Bitterweed is an annual with bright yellow flowers and a bitter taste that deters herbivores. It is often found in disturbed areas and is known for its resilience in poor soils. The plant's vibrant blooms add color to fields and roadsides.

Habitat
It grows in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Diet
Pollinated by bees, it provides nectar for various insects.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Bitterweed

The best time to see a Bitterweed is June–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 20,447 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Bitterweed? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Bitterweed sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Bitterweed? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Bitterweed is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Black Ash
Black Ash
Fraxinus nigra
Black Cherry
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa
Black Cottonwood
Black Cottonwood
Populus trichocarpa
Black Gum
Black Gum
Nyssa biflora
Black Huckleberry
Black Huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata
Black Locust
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Black Needlerush
Black Needlerush
Juncus roemerianus