PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun for maximum flowering; tolerates partial shade but produces fewer blooms
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to extreme cold winters; thrives in warm summer temperatures and tolerates mild late spring frost
Characteristics
- Leaf: Feathery, finely divided linear leaves, bright green with smooth margins
- Flower: Daisy-like composite heads with yellow ray florets and maroon central disks
- Stem: Slender, branching green stems covered in fine, soft pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization as flowering declines in late summer to support natural seed production
Banana peel compost tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through summer
- Cut back stems to ground level after the first frost to tidy garden beds and support self-seeding
- Thin overcrowded seedlings in early spring to improve airflow and reduce competition for nutrients
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes cheerfulness, optimism, and long-lasting friendship
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; historically used by Indigenous peoples to produce yellow and red natural dyes
