Butter Daisy (Melampodium divaricatum)

Butter Daisy

Melampodium divaricatum

Bright golden blooms blanket foliage like tiny suns. Compact annual flowering plant; common names: butter daisy, gold medallion.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright direct sunlight for most of the day, tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Prefers warm growing temperatures; tolerates light frost but performs best above 15°C during active growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, oval to lanceolate, bright green, slightly serrated margins
  • Flower: Daisy-like golden yellow blooms, 2–3 cm diameter, with yellow disc centers
  • Stem: Slender, branching, upright to spreading growth habit
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn as growth slows

Banana peel compost tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to promote continuous blooming without causing nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Trim leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain a compact, mounded growth habit
  • Remove yellowing foliage to improve air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk
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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

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant, container planting, cut flower filler; attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies