Common Blanketflower

(Gaillardia aristata)

Common Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)

Syrio

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Syrio

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Syrio | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Syrio | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Gaillardia_aristata_in_Quaras.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Flower [[Gaillardia aristata]] in [[:Category:Fata Morgana Greenhouse|Fata Morgana Greenhouse]], [[Prague]], [[:Category:Troja|Troja]]}}}} {{cs|1= Květina [[Gaillardia aristata]] v pražské botanické zaharad� |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Gaillardia aristata, commonly known as Common Blanketflower or Common Gaillardia, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across much of western and Central North America. It may be naturalized in parts of its range, such as Europe, Australia, and South America. This species typically grows to heights of 20–92 cm (8–36 inches) and is known for its vibrant flower heads, which feature a center of brownish or reddish-purple disc florets surrounded by a fringe of colorful ray florets in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The flowers are particularly showy from July to September, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The Common Blanketflower is valued for its drought tolerance and long blooming period, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, wildflower gardens, and borders. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and while it prefers moderate moisture, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. The plant’s ability to self-seed makes it a low-maintenance addition to gardens, but care should be taken as it can become invasive outside its native range. Its achenes are notable for their stout, hairy appearance and long, spiky pappus.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-2.5 feet
Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across North America

Other Names

Common Names: Common Gaillardia , Great Blanket Flower , Blanket-Flower , Brown-Eyed Susan , Great Blanketflower , Indian Blanketflower , Prärie-Kokardenblume , Gaillarde Aristée

Scientific Names: Gaillardia aristata , Gaillardia rustica , Gaillardia hallii , Gaillardia perennis , Gaillardia richardsoni , Gaillardia aristata f. aristata , Gaillardia aristata f. monochroma , Gaillardia aristata var. foliacea , Gaillardia bracteosa , Gaillardia richardsonii

GBIF Accepted Name: Gaillardia aristata Pursh