James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Melampodium
Plant Common Name
Melampodium
General Description
Commonly known as blackfoot daisies, there are approximately 36 species in the genus Melampodium. Characterized by their colorful and prolific daisies these variable plants may be annuals, perennials or subshrubs. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, Mexico, West Indies, Central America and South America. A few species are grown as popular bedding plants.
Melampodium are, round, bushy and form neat clumps that may be spreading or upright. The leaves are often hairy and may be triangular, oval, elliptical or linear. They are opposite, bright green or gray-green and are either lobed or simple (without lobes of divisions). Orange, golden yellow or creamy white daisies are produced singly but profusely on the bushy plants. Bees, butterflies and other insects visit the floweres and the mature seedheads turn brown with age.
There are several garden worthy species. The annual butter daisy (Melampodium divaricatum) hails from Mexico and offers lots of pale blooms in the heat of summer. The plains Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) is native to the rocky, dry soils of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. It is a short-lived, drought tolerant perennial with a mounding habit and pretty white daisies. Melampodium paludosum is a compact annual from Central and South America that produces lots of lemon yellow daisies.
Culture and hardiness is species dependent, but almost all Melampodium thrive in full sun and perfectly drained soil with average fertility. They are easily planted by seed and should be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has past. Most readily self seed in the landscape but not too aggressively. Protect perennial species from hard frosts and freezes. The stems may be pinched early in the season for increased flower production. These tough, drought tolerant ornamentals are terrific for beds, borders, containers and edging.
