Melampodium leucanthum
Black Foot Daisy
DESCRIPTION
Black Foot DaisyMelampodium leucanthum
Blackfoot Daisy is a tough as nails perennial with a knack for thriving in hot, difficult places. Fragrant, white flowers with sunny yellow centers bloom for an extended period and attract butterflies. They can take blistering heat and freezing temperatures with ease. As long as there is good drainage they will perform well in containers.
BENEFITS
Attracts butterflies and Sphinx moths from spring to fallSeeds provide food for birds and other wildlife
Fragrant white and yellow flowers bloom for an extended period
Great addition to container plantings
Blistering sun or freezing temperatures are no problem
Deer tend not to browse on this plant
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found in dry rocky slopes and mesas, often on limestone from 2000 to 5000 feet. In a range from Colorado to Oklahoma down to Arizona, Texas and Mexico.
Interesting Facts
Sphinx moths, members of the Sphingidae family are important pollinators. Most are nocturnal, though some, like the hummingbird moths feed on nectar during the day. They are easy to spot on many desert natives especially after it rains.
GROWING TIPS
In late winter, older plants can be cut back halfway to keep them compact. Rich soil and abundant water will likely produce many more flowers in the short-term, but may consequently shorten the lifespan. Blackfoot daisy is very drought tolerant and watering a few times a month is plenty to keep the plant blooming over a long season. Heavy, wet soils are the main enemy of blackfoot daisy.