Arizona Sunflowerweed
Tithonia thurberi
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Tithonia
- Species:
- Tithonia thurberi
- USDA Symbol:
- TITH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from roots after fire; common in fire-prone Sonoran Desert scrub communities.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers full sun
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil with adequate moisture. Light may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Immerse in 80-100°C water for 30-60 seconds then place in cold water to cool.
Establishment: Information regarding germination of T. thurberi is largely unavailable. The protocol is based on the closely related species T. diversifolia. Germination rates for seeds stored for 12 months increased further to 80-100% following the hot water treatment.
Source: npn.rngr.net