Blanketflower
Gaillardia aristata
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Gaillardia
- Species:
- Gaillardia aristata
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- Red, Yellow
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in poor, rocky soils
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: 30 day cold, moist stratification. Seeds that have been dry stored for 3 months or more do not require a stratification to overcome dormancy. However, a brief stratification improves germination uniformity.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in late August and early September when achenes separate easily from the receptacle. Seeds are grey to dark brown at maturity. Seeds are collected in paper bags and kept in a well ventilated drying shed prior to cleaning. Germination can be uneven and slow growth has been observed.
Source: npn.rngr.net