Redstar zinnia Zinnia peruviana

Zinnia peruviana is a fast-growing, quick blooming tropical species and southwestern US native annual that has been classified as a weed.  It is often grown in gardens, where its self-seeding nature allows it to be propagated by the wind out of that setting and into other locations.  It can be found growing along roadsides, disturbed locations, wastelands, and pastures.    It performs best in full sun, shady locations will cause diminished flowing.  Water regularly, however, do not overwater. 

Plants are not typically commercially available at garden centers as a choice for your home garden.  Seeds are available for purchase.  They can also be collected from plants.  Allow the seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting.

These plant have a short taproot.  The flowers are typically single on the solitary erect, purple-green stem, each flower having 6-15 ray florets and 12-50 disc florets.  The stems are mostly unbranched, rough and have fine coarse hairs.  

The fruit is called a cypsela, which is a dry single-seeded fruit formed from a double ovary of which only one develops into a seed.

Makes an excellent choice for xeriscaping, pollinator and conservation gardens.

Its blooms are frequented by Danaus glippus (Queen), Heliconius charithonia Linnaeus (Zebra Longwing), and Leptophobia aripa butterflies.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and thrips are occasional issues.

 VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.