Melampodium Melampodium divaricatum

Melampodium or Butter Daisy is a small, reliable, low maintenance summer annual in the aster family. It is a hardy plant, maturing to 2 feet high and a foot wide. The plant is native to Mexico and Brazil. The prolific daisy-like yellow flowers bloom from May until frost and contrast well with the bright green foliage. The leaves are opposite, slightly fuzzy, and have smooth, wavy, or slightly toothed margins. Genus name comes from the Greek melam meaning black and pous meaning foot for its black stalks. The species name means spreading or growing in a straggling manner.

It is one of the easiest annuals to grow in evenly moist, well-drained soils and full sun. Watering should be consistent, but occasional, and the soil should be slightly dry. Once established, Melampodium is drought tolerant and does well in humid summers. To grow from seed, sow directly in the garden after the last frost. To ensure early blooms, you can start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and set the plants out after the last frost date.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a fact sheet on Melampodium.

Tall stems on the plant may tend to flop in the heat of summer. Deadheading is not required. It may self-seed in optimum growing conditions. As the flowers fade, each stem branches to produce additional flowers.

This plant will do well as a border or mass planting in the garden or in a 1 to 3 gallon container.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious disease or insect problems. Powdery mildew can be an issue. Be sure to space properly and set in a location with good airflow.