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(Tithonia rotundifolia)
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
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Daniel Hincapie
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Daniel Hincapie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daniel Hincapie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Daniel Hincapie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-28T12:01:50-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Tithonia rotundifolia, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower, is a deciduous plant that can behave as an annual or perennial herb depending on the climate. It is native to open woodlands, forest edges, and scrublands in Central America and Mexico, where it thrives in warm conditions. In its native habitat, Tithonia rotundifolia can reach up to 4 meters tall and is known for its vibrant orange or red flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The flowers are particularly showy and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and notably, migrating monarch butterflies.
The Mexican Sunflower is valued for its ease of maintenance and the bright splash of color it adds to gardens. It is often used in borders, as a background plant in garden beds, or as a quick-growing annual in cooler climates. In USDA zones cooler than Zone 10, it is grown as an annual. This plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from low to medium water requirements, and medium to fast drainage. While it is not particularly demanding, it does best in rich, well-drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that Tithonia rotundifolia can be potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Mexican Sunflower is valued for its ease of maintenance and the bright splash of color it adds to gardens. It is often used in borders, as a background plant in garden beds, or as a quick-growing annual in cooler climates. In USDA zones cooler than Zone 10, it is grown as an annual. This plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from low to medium water requirements, and medium to fast drainage. While it is not particularly demanding, it does best in rich, well-drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that Tithonia rotundifolia can be potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and scrublands in Central America and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Girassol Mexicano, Margarida Mexicana, Clavel De Muerto, 멕시코해바라기
Scientific Names: , Tithonia rotundifolia, Tithonia speciosa, Tithonia tagetiflora, Tithonia macrophylla, Verbesina szyszylowiczii, Tagetes rotundifolia, Helianthus speciosus, Leighia speciosa, Tithonia aristata
GBIF Accepted Name: Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F.Blake