Baileya pleniradiata, commonly known as Woolly Desert Marigold, is an annual herb that thrives in arid desert environments, specifically in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It is adapted to open, sandy areas, often found in desert washes and flats. This plant typically grows to about 2 feet in height with a branching stem covered in a dense layer of fine, woolly hairs, giving it a distinctive light gray-green to nearly white appearance. The leaves are oblong, up to 3 inches long, and may be pinnately lobed or entire. From spring to fall, it produces showy yellow flowers, each with a central disc of florets surrounded by a fringe of ray florets, which can be quite conspicuous in the stark desert landscape.

Woolly Desert Marigold is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to bring bright color to xeriscape gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, desert landscaping, and as a bedding plant in regions with dry climates. It requires minimal water once established, well-drained soil, and thrives in full sun. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can reseed prolifically under ideal conditions. There are no major disease problems, but it can be short-lived and may not tolerate heavy, poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0