Zinnia acerosa
![](/Images/godic/202502/22/Zinnia_acerosa_flowers2638.jpg")
![Old Zinnia acerosa plant about 1' tall past blooming period in the Tucson Sonoran Desert. Many old zinnias in the desert acquire this interesting gnarly form after many years in the desert.](/Images/godic/202502/22/Desert_Zinnia_about_1'_tall2638.jpg")
Zinnia acerosa is a low growing perennial flowering plant native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Common names include desert zinnia, wild zinnia, white zinnia and spinyleaf zinnia. It is a popular landscape plant in the southwest due to its low water use and long bloom period. The flowers also serve as a food source for southwestern butterflies.