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Common Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata). Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, bugwood.org |
Origin: Native
Growth Characteristics: Blanketflower has an inflorescence which resembles the brightly patterned blankets of Native Americans. It grows 1 - 3 feet tall, and will often grow in mounds 8 – 18 inches high. It flowers June – October.
Flowers: Bright daisy-like single color and bi-color blooms in shades from buff to red to brown. Flowers of certain species can be 4 inches wide. The ray petals have serrated tips – usually 3-toothed. Some varieties have a fringed look. The base of the flower (pappus) consists of several scales with awns.
Fruits/Seeds: Similar to a sunflower seed, smaller and at least partly covered with long hairs
Leaves: Leaves are basal and are lance to linear shaped. Leaves have a hairy texture, and can have margins which are smooth, toothed, or lobed.
Stems: Wiry, branched stems, mostly without leaves
Found on the dry slopes and meadows of uplands and mountains. It is drought tolerant and capable of growing under very harsh conditions. It prefers full sun.
Soils: Dry, well drained.
Not a highly grazed species. When grazed, it is most often grazed during the early part of the season.
It is often cultivated and grown in flower beds.