Blanket Flower

Gaillardia aristata

Asteraceae

• Spokane Native
• USDA Zone 3-10
• Sun
• Size: 1'-2' tall x 2’ wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: no
• Flowers Color: Yellow-orange with red centers (June-October)
• Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; provides nectar throughout summer into fall; seeds eaten by goldfinches and other birds; exceptional pollinator plant; long blooming period

Blanket Flower is a spectacular native perennial growing 1-2 feet tall and spreading about 2 feet wide in clumps. It thrives in full sun and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making it one of the most reliable and low-maintenance native perennials. This cheerful species is native to the western and central United States, growing naturally in prairies, open meadows, and along roadsides. It adapts to poor soils and actually prefers lean, well-drained conditions over rich garden soil. The plant forms attractive basal clumps with upright flowering stems and has an extended bloom period that can last from early summer into fall.

The basal leaves are lance-shaped to spatula-shaped, typically 4-6 inches long, gray-green and slightly hairy. The foliage forms attractive rosettes. From June through October (and often surviving light frosts), the plant produces an abundance of showy daisy-like flowers on long stems. Each vibrant bloom is 2-3 inches across with distinctive ray petals that are typically bright yellow or orange with red or burgundy zones near the base, creating a striking bicolor effect. The petals have notched or toothed tips adding textural interest. The central disc is prominent and reddish-brown. The brilliant colors resemble Native American blanket patterns, giving the plant its common name. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. The plant readily self-seeds, and one plant will often become many, creating naturalized drifts.

Blanket Flower is exceptionally valuable for pollinators. The showy, nectar-rich flowers attract numerous butterflies, bees (including natives), and even occasional hummingbirds throughout the extended blooming season. The plant provides crucial summer and fall nectar when many spring bloomers have finished. Goldfinches are particularly fond of the seeds and can often be seen perched on spent flower heads. Other seed-eating birds also consume the achenes. Indigenous peoples' specific uses are not extensively documented, though the plant was certainly part of the prairie ecosystem they knew well. The plant is deer-resistant and thrives with neglect.

Ideal for perennial borders, wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, xeric landscapes, and anywhere low-maintenance color is desired. The cheerful flowers and long bloom period make it popular for sunny gardens. Excellent in mass plantings where it creates stunning displays. Works well in cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and along pathways. The plant grows best in poor, loose, well-drained soils and may become floppy in rich soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming and maintain tidy appearance, or allow self-seeding for naturalized areas. Good companions include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, native grasses, and other prairie species. Easy to grow from seed or division. The combination of brilliant flowers, exceptional drought tolerance, long bloom period, and outstanding pollinator value makes Blanket Flower one of the most rewarding and popular native perennials for Spokane-area gardens.