Desert Marigold

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

Desert Marigold is a perennial herb native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It's a popular choice in arid and semi-arid landscapes due to its vibrant flowers and drought tolerance.

The most striking feature of the Desert Marigold is its showy, golden-yellow flowers. These flowers resemble daisies, with a central disc surrounded by ray petals. They bloom profusely in the spring and can continue to flower sporadically throughout the summer and fall, especially following rainfall. The bright flowers not only add a splash of color to the landscape but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The foliage of the Desert Marigold is equally attractive. The leaves are silver-gray and covered in fine, woolly hairs, which help reflect sunlight and conserve water. This adaptation, along with its deep root system, allows the plant to thrive in hot, dry conditions. The leaves form a basal rosette at the base of the plant, from which the flower stalks emerge.

In landscaping, Desert Marigold is often used in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and native plant gardens. It's valued for its ability to add bright color to low-water landscapes. The plant is also used for naturalizing in wildflower meadows or open spaces, where it can self-seed under favorable conditions.

Desert Marigold is a low-maintenance plant, requiring little care once established. It prefers well-drained soils and does not need frequent watering, making it an excellent choice for water-efficient gardening. Its combination of striking flowers, attractive foliage, and adaptability to challenging environments makes it a favored plant for gardeners in desert or near-desert climates.