Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Annual to perennial.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: 6-18" high.
Flowers: One-inch wide, narrow white to violet rays, yellow centers, at the end of a stem. The flowers fold up in late afternoon or in shade, revealing pale purple undersides, and resemble round lavender balls. One plant may have more than a dozen blooms open at one time.
Bloom: Sporadically, winter, spring, summer, fall, depending on the local climate.
Fruit: Bristly seeds.
Leaves: Long, narrow, dull green.
Stems: No thorns. Long, narrow, dull green.
Roots: Clump-forming.
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Western United States, Canada and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 2-10.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to part shade..
Water once established: Once a month.
Soil: Well draining, dry, low organic content, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed, root division. Easily reseeds.
Uses: Ornamental.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae). In the picture at right, some shaded flowers have closed, revealing their violet undersides. The butterfly in the picture is a Dainty Sulphur.

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