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Melampodium divaricatum

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Melampodium paludosum
Phonetic Spelling
mel-am-POH-dee-um di-vair-ih-KAY-tum
Description

Melampodium or Butter Daisy is a reliable, low maintenance summer annual. 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.

It is one of the easiest annuals to grow in well-drained soils and full sun. Once established, Melampodium is drought tolerant and only requires watering if overly dry.

Powdery mildew can be problematic. Be sure to space properly and set in a location with good airflow.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Million Gold'
  • 'Showstar'
'Million Gold', 'Showstar'
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#easy to grow#fall interest#summer flowers#deer resistant#spring interest#dry soils tolerant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Million Gold'
  • 'Showstar'
'Million Gold', 'Showstar'
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#easy to grow#fall interest#summer flowers#deer resistant#spring interest#dry soils tolerant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Melampodium
    Species:
    divaricatum
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to Brazil
    Distribution:
    Hot, dry, sunny areas
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Solitary daisy-like flowers with yellow rays and darker yellow centers. As the flowers fade, the stems branch to produce additional bloom.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Sinuate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are slightly fuzzy and have smooth, wavy, or slightly toothed margins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Rock Wall
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer