How to Grow Blackfoot Daisy

Native to Mexico and parts of the United States, including the southwest and the Central Plains, blackfoot daisy is a cheerful, drought-tolerant plant that can take the heat and still shine brightly.

This evergreen perennial member of the Asteraceae family has a low, round, bushy form and produces an abundance of one-inch, white, daisy-like flowers from early spring through late fall.

The dark green foliage consists of 2-inch-long, narrow, oblong leaves.

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The lightly fragrant flowers have an attractive bright yellow center that resembles a pincushion. They attract bees and butterflies, and the seeds make a tasty snack for birds in the winter.

“Blackfoot” refers to the bract that surrounds each seed that is shaped like a foot, and turns black as it matures.

Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11, blackfoot daisy grows six to 12 inches tall, with a spread of 12 to 24 inches.

Its numerous aliases include rock daisy, desert daisy, ash gray blackfoot, plains blackfoot, and arnica.

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This low-maintenance wildflower is ideal for growing in gardens with dry, rocky soil or xeriscapes. It grows prolifically in open grassland and desert scrublands.

Sometimes confused with the native desert zinnia, Zinnia acerosa, the flowers of the blackfoot daisy have 8-10 white petals, while desert zinnias have 4-6, and they are broader.

Blackfoot daisy propagates easily from seed – either planted or scattered by the wind. Or you can take cuttings from an existing plant, or buy transplants from a local garden center or nursery.

It is not suitable for propagation by division