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Melampodium leucanthum

Blackfoot Daisy

Plant photo of: Melampodium leucanthum
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Small mounding perennial grows quickly to 1' x 2'. White daisylike flowers with yellow centers cover the plant nearly year-round The leaves are narrow and gray-green. Accepts full sun or partial shade but blooms better in the sun. Bright and colorful groundcover. Plant in well-drained soil. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico.

Maintenance Tips

Melampodium leucanthum or the Blackfoot Daisy, is a small herbaceous perennial that reaches 12 – 18" tall and wide. It is very drought and heat-tolerant and requires very little maintenance to look and perform its best. Once the plant is established, it requires very little water, but it does tend to have a much longer blooming cycle if it is offered supplemental water during the spring and summer. It is very attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees and is usually pest-free. As an herbaceous perennial, it can be attractive to aphids and other soft-bodied insects that can damage the foliage. Instead of using pesticides to control these pests, it would be better to use a hard jet of water or even bring in ladybugs to treat the infestation. That will ensure the beneficial insects and birds can continue to enjoy the flowers.

 

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Rocky

Soil Condition

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces, Hanging Baskets

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Group plants with similar watering needs in the same area.