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Desert Marigold

Baileya multiradiata

Other common name(s):

Showy Desert Marigold, Paper Daisy, Desert Baileya

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Annual

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Gravelly, Caliche, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Bees

Maintenance

Desert Marigold is well-behaved; drought and extreme heat tolerant. A stand of desert marigold will self-sow in favorable conditions. The seedling rosettes require a period of cold dormancy to set buds. Avoid moist soils which can cause root rot. Propagation: Sow untreated seeds 1/4” deep in the fall in mild areas, winter in colder regions. Spring sown seeds need a moist chilling period.

Comments

Blooms March-November. Desert Marigold is a biennial or short-lived perennial. It forms nearly solid yellow 12 – 18 in. mounds of long-lasting, bright yellow flowers. The blooms rise on leafless stems above the wooly, gray foliage. As the blooms age, they turn papery. In the wild it can form solid strips of yellow. In gardens, single plants grow into perfect mounds of yellow, blooming spring through fall. Desert Marigold is an important nectar source for nectar insects, bees, and butterflies.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Synonym/s: Baileya multiradiata var. thurberi

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas, 2) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=2268&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BAMU.. 4) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Baileya+multiradiata&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 5) Wasowski, Sally and Wasowski, Andy, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 146. 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=36799#null

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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