Marshallia grandiflora, commonly known as Appalachian Barbara’s Buttons, is a perennial herb that was native to the southeastern United States in Appalachia. It can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, depending on the local climate. It typically grows to a height of up to 90 cm (3 feet), with most of its leaves clustered at the base of the stem. This species was characterized by its singular or occasionally paired flower heads, each displaying numerous pink disc flowers; it lacked the ray flowers commonly found in many members of the sunflower family. The flowering season for Marshallia grandiflora was in the late spring to early summer, and its flowers were moderately showy, attracting pollinators.

Appalachian Barbara’s Buttons was valued for its unique floral structure and was used in wildflower gardens and as a border plant in areas that mimic its native habitat conditions. It required full sun to part shade and could tolerate low to medium water conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with medium drainage soils. While it was not widely cultivated due to its rarity, those who did grow it appreciated its low maintenance requirements and contribution to native plant gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0