Gaillardia, Blanket-Flower

Gaillardia pulchella Foug.

gai-LARD-ee-ah pull-KELL-ah

Asteraceae

Explanation of name: Gaillardia's name comes from the French botanist, Gaillard de Marentoneau. Pulchella means pretty.

Synonym: Gaillardia bicolor Lam.

Natural range: Most U.S. states (not the northwest) to Mexico (CHR)

Recognition:  Fuzzy herbaceous composite with narrow oblong-elliptic leaf blades.  Flowering heads large, daisylike, the colors of fire: yellow and red-purple with brownish centers

Landscape uses:  Native, bright-flowered, space-filler.  Self-seeds.  Although perennial, display is seasonal and loses visual quality in winter….best used as an annual planted in spring. 

This species crossed with G. aristata gives G. X grandiflora, the source of multiple cultivars (http://www.gaygardener.com/gardenspot/perennial/peren027.phtml).