Blanket Flower (also known as Gaillardia)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Gaillardia, Species: Gaillardia pulchella · Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family) · Simple, herbaceous, deciduous annual or short-lived perennial
Species
Gaillardia pulchella
Leaf Type
Simple, herbaceous, deciduous annual or short-lived perennial
Family
Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Lanceolate to oblong, sometimes shallowly lobed or toothed
Size
Approximately 2 to 4 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide, typical for the species
Margin
Entire or irregularly toothed/lobed
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and throughout its native prairie habitats
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to greyish green upper and lower surfaces, uniformly colored without variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib
Texture & Surface
Slightly pubescent or hairy, giving a somewhat rough texture to the touch
Description
Blanket Flower is a cheerful, drought-tolerant North American native plant famed for its prolific, brightly colored daisy-like flowers featuring rich red petals tipped with yellow and dark reddish-brown central discs. The plant forms a mounding clump of soft, hairy grey-green foliage that blooms continuously from early summer through the first autumn frosts.
Key Features
Distinctive brightly colored red and yellow daisy-like composite flower heads, alternate lanceolate hairy leaves, and a mounding habit well-suited to hot, dry sites
Habitat
Found in dry, open areas, sandy soils, prairies, plains, and disturbed roadsides; prefers full sun and well-draining soil
Geographic Range
Native to North America, particularly the central United States and northern Mexico, but widely cultivated and naturalized globally
Condition Notes
The plant appears exceptionally healthy and robust, with vibrant green foliage, no signs of chlorosis or pest damage, and numerous active blooms and buds indicating prime seasonal condition
Interesting Facts
The common name 'blanket flower' is believed to derive from the flowers' ability to brightly blanket prairies in color, or from their resemblance to brightly patterned Native American blankets
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally by some Native American tribes for medicinal infusions, but primarily valued today as an exceptional ornamental garden plant, drought-tolerant landscaping choice, and cut flower
Ecological Role
Serves as an important nectar and pollen source for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, contributing significantly to local prairie ecosystem biodiversity
Similar Species
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Coreopsis, which can be distinguished by differences in flower petal coloration, disc floret shapes, and foliage texture
Foraging Tips
Look for sandy or disturbed soils in full sun during summer months; identify by the characteristic hairy, alternate lanceolate leaves and striking red-and-yellow composite flower heads
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and common pets such as dogs and cats