Blackfoot Daisy, Melampodium, Plains Blackfoot

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Common Name: Blackfoot Daisy, Melampodium, Plains Blackfoot

Botanical Name: Melampodium leucanthum

Category: Perennial

Lifecycle: Perennial

USDA Symbol: MELE2

Hardiness Zones: 5A – 11B

Sun: Full Sun (6+ hours of sun per day) , Partial shade (2-4 hours of sun per day)

Water: Medium

Soil: Sand

pH: Slightly Alkaline (7.4-7.8)

Height: 6 to 12 in

Spread: 1 to 2 ft

Spacing: 1 to 2 ft

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Seasonal

Bloom Color(s): Yellow, White

Leaf Shape: Linear

Leaf Arrangement: Opposite

Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Plant Description:

Melampodium is sometimes called miniature sunflower because of its many daisy-like flowers. This plant has a bushy structure and can reach from 12-24 inches tall. If allowed to re-seed, the plant will naturalize. Melampodium is native to Central America and the Southwestern United States. It is used as a colorful plant for the garden border, and taller varieties can be planted in the rear or center of the garden. The flowers appear in spring and bloom until the first frost. Melampodium is considered an annual in zones below USDA zone 8, but it will often re-seed the next season.

Propagation & Planting:

Melampodium can be grown easily from seeds. Seed directly into the garden in a sunny, well-drained location after the last frost. Seeds can also be grown indoors in flats several weeks before the last frost. This plant does not tolerate clay soil well, and good drainage is vital. Once established, Melampodium is drought-tolerant, and new seedlings emerge around the plant if not dead-headed regularly.

Plant Care:

Melampodium grows best in alkaline, rocky soils with full sun exposure. It does not tolerate heavy clay soil and is killed by freezing temperatures, but often will re-seed the following year. Seeds should be planted when temperatures reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can be grown indoors near a sunny window.

Fertilize:

Fertilize in spring. To keep Melampodium blooming, a liquid fertilizer can be added to the soil according to the directions on the label. A slow-release fertilizer may also be used.

Prune:

No pruning is necessary for Melampodium other than deadheading to prevent seedlings from popping up and naturalizing. It should not be crowded among other plants because good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew, which can affect this plant in humid conditions.

Pests & Disease:

No serious pests or diseases affect Melampodium. It does need good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew, and must have well-drained soil.

Attracts: