All flowers
Desert Zinnia Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae

Desert Zinnia

Zinnia acerosa

Steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Zinnia
Native to
Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico
Bloom season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Type
perennial subshrub
Height
0.3-0.8 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
rocky, calcareous, well-drained
Water
low
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Desert zinnia can bloom almost year-round in its native habitat when moisture is available.
  • Unlike its showy garden zinnia relatives, desert zinnia has adapted to thrive in some of the hottest, driest environments in North America.
  • The papery white ray florets persist on the plant long after the flower has finished blooming, giving it a perpetual flowering appearance.
  • It forms low mounds that help trap wind-blown sand, making it an important stabilizer of desert soils.
  • Desert zinnia is highly attractive to small native butterflies, particularly the tiny blues and hairstreaks.

Color meanings

0

perseverance

1

simplicity

Uses

  • xeriscaping
  • rock gardens
  • butterfly gardens