Machaeranthera tanacetifolia
If you’re looking to create a pollinator garden in the low desert region, Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, also known as Tahoka daisy or Tansy-leafed aster, is a beautiful and hardy plant species to consider. This native wildflower can provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: Western and mid-western United States, Mexico
Family: Asteraceae
Size: 3′ tall and 2 ‘ wide
Sun: Full to part shade
Watering: Regular to encourage blooms
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Best in sandy, gravelly or deep soil.
Temperature: Tolerant to heat and drought; hardy to 25 F
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Nectar for 32 bee species.
Larval Host for 7 caterpillar species. Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Larval food plant for the sagebrush checkerspot (Chlosyne acastus), bordered patch (Chlosyne lacinia), the pear crescent (Phyciodes tharos) and the hooded owlet moth (Cucullia convexipennis)
Notes: Keystone species. Plants reseed readily. Annual or biennial.
Photo by juanloredo
Resources
- Garden for Wildlife Keystone Species
- Spadefoot Nursery
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Wildflower.org
- Southwest Desert Flora
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