Garden Oracle / Drought and Heat Tolerant Gardening / Tucson - Phoenix - Arizona - California

Growing Thymophylla pentachaeta:
Golden Dyssodia

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Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 6-10" high and somewhat wider.
Flowers: One-half inch wide, at ends of stalks, yellow rays with an orange center.
Bloom: A repeat bloomer all year in regions without freezes.
Fruit: Seed.
Leaves: Green, lacy, thread-like, with soft tips. Leaves and stems have a foul aroma if crushed when green. Dried, brown leaves have hardened tips and are uncomfortable to touch.
Stems: No thorns.
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and other insects. It is a caterpillar food plant for the Dainty Sulphur butterfly. Avoided by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: The seed may be toxic.
Origin: California through Texas, Nevada, Utah, Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 7-10. This plant dies to the ground in hard freezes.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun.
Water once established: Twice a month. Supplemental water improves performance, but the soil must dry out between waterings. This plant is subject to root rot if overwatered.
Soil: Well drained, dry, low in organic content, pH 6.6-8.5 (neutral to alkaline).
Prune: After freezing temperatures are past, remove dead stems or cut nearly to the ground. It recovers quickly in warm temperatures.
Mulch: Decomposing granite may improve growth. Small gravel may extend drought tolerance. Mulch is undesirable with frequent water or rain because it will prevent the soil from drying quickly.
Litter: No, except for freeze damage.
Propagation: Seed. This plant freely reseeds and will eventually cover a wide area in disturbed ground.
Uses: Ornamental, ground cover.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae). Another common name is Dogweed. The butterfly is a male Checkered White.



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Thymophylla pentachaeta: Golden Dyssodia - flowers

Thymophylla pentachaeta: Golden Dyssodia - with butterfly

Thymophylla pentachaeta: Golden Dyssodia

Latest update: February, 2019
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