Indian Blanket

Gaillardia pulchella

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Gaillardia
Species:
Gaillardia pulchella

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, sep
Bloom Colors:
orange, red, yellow

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

American sunflower moth (Homoeosoma electella), Bina flower moth (Schinia bina), Painted Schinia Moth (Schinia volupia), Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Fernald cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus flavidus), Fernald cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus flavidus), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

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 disturbed, sandy areas