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Desert Sunflower Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae

Desert Sunflower

Geraea canescens

Joy and solar energy.

Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Geraea
Native to
Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico
Bloom season
Spring, Fall
Type
Annual
Height
0.15-0.6 meters
Sunlight
Full sun
Soil
Sandy, well-drained
Water
Low
Hardiness
8-11
Lifespan
Annual

Did you know

  • Desert sunflowers are among the most common wildflowers during California superbloom events.
  • Fields of desert sunflowers in Death Valley have attracted millions of tourists in bloom years.
  • The flowers track the sun throughout the day, a behavior called heliotropism.
  • They can germinate, grow, bloom, and set seed in under six weeks after a good rain.
  • Bees, beetles, and butterflies all compete to pollinate these abundant desert flowers.

Color meanings

0

Adoration

1

Joy

2

Vitality

Uses

  • Wildflower tourism
  • Pollinator support
  • Desert revegetation