Description
Form: A highly variable clump-forming herb.
Lifespan: Three to four years.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 1' (30cm) high and 3-5' (90-150cm) wide.
Flowers: Daisy-like, with yellow rays having notched squared tips, surrounding a disc of yellow to orange florets, fragrant, at the terminal end of a flower stalk.
Bloom: Sporadically, all year in regions without freezes.
Fruit: Each floret produces one dried fruit containing a single seed (cypsela), tufted at one end.
Leaves: Green, linear, growing from the root crown of the plant, producing an unpleasant odor when crushed.
Stems: This plant has no stem. The leaves grow directly from its root crown.
Roots: A taproot makes transplanting difficult.
Wildlife: The flowers attracts insects, including butterflies. The foliage is rabbit and deer resistant.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Alberta, Saskatchewan, western United States into Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 5b-11. This plant dies to the ground in hard freezes.
Heat tolerant: Yes, but it has difficulty in temperatures over 105°F (40°C).
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun, but part shade, especially afternoon shade, is needed in high temperatures.
Soil: Well draining, dry, low in organic content, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Water after becoming established: Monthly to weekly, depending on temperature, and accommodating for rain. The soil must dry out between waterings. Root rot can occur in continually moist soil.
Mulch: No. All day part shade is best to protect the root zone from high temperatures. Organic mulch may lead to overly moist soil and fungal diseases.
Prune: Remove spent flower heads to improve appearance.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed. This plant may self-seed.
Uses: Ornamental, low water (xeriscape) garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae) and has five regional varieties. Other common names are Stemless Four Nerve Daisy and Perky Sue. The butterfly is a Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis).

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