Native Habitat:
Open meadows, grasslands, and disturbed sites throughout western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers well-drained soils and sunny locations.
 
Bloom Time:
June – September
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Annual herb, 1–3 feet tall, with branching stems and finely divided leaves. Produces vibrant yellow, daisy-like flowers with maroon centers, often in clusters.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy or loamy substrates. Tolerates moderate drought once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Achillea millefolium, Camassia quamash, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides bright color and vertical structure to urban meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Works well in mass plantings, along pathways, or in low-maintenance wildflower gardens. Its vibrant flowers support ecological function while enhancing aesthetic appeal in sustainable urban plantings.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and butterflies. Seeds provide food for small songbirds, while foliage offers cover for beneficial insects.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for dye and ceremonial purposes; valued ornamentally in early gardens.