Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Melampodium leucanthum Torr. & Gray
Blackfoot Daisy, Rock daisy, Plains blackfoot
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
A low, round, bushy plant with flower heads of 8-10 broad white rays surrounding a small yellow central disk. Plains blackfoot or blackfoot daisy is a low, bushy, mounded
perennial, 6-12 in. tall and twice as wide. It is covered with narrow leaves and 1 in. wide, white, daisy-like flowers. The white rays are
toothed at the tips and surround yellow disk flowers. These honey-scented flower heads are
solitary and terminal on slender stalks.
At first glance, Blackfoot Daisy appears to be the twin of White Zinnia (
Zinnia acerosa), but flower heads of the latter species have 4-6 broad white rays and a narrow base of several overlapping scales. Both may be found in the same habitat, but the range of White Zinnia does not extend as far south as Blackfoot Daisy.
Image Gallery:
42 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Size Notes: Plants are seldom over 6 inches high, and the clump is 1–2 feet across.
Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft. , 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Bloom Notes: The yellow-orange disc flowers contrast sharply with the white
ray flowers.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CO , KS , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: CO to OK, s. to AZ, c. TX & Mex.
Native Habitat: Throughout, Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs, Dry calcalreous substrates
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Dry, rocky, calcareous soils. Rocky, Gravelly Sandy, Limestone-based, Caliche type
Conditions Comments: Blackfoot daisy is a sturdy, mounding plant, that will flourish in rock gardens. It is heat and drought tolerant. Good drainage is essential to its success. In late winter, older plants can be cut back halfway to keep them compact. Rich soil and abundant water will likely produce many more flowers in the short-term, but may consequently shorten the lifespan.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Showy, Rock gardens, Blooms ornamental, Long-blooming
Use Wildlife: Nectar-Bees, Nectar-Butterflies, Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Last Update: 2010-05-29
