Gaillardia aristata

Indian blanket flower

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheophyta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
Genus: Gaillardia
Species: Gaillardia aristata Pursh

Common Names by Region

United States: Indian Blanket, Blanketflower
Canada: Blanketflower
Great Plains (regional): Prairie Gaillardia

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Description

Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Size: Typically 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) tall; similar spread
Leaves: Basal leaves are lance-shaped to spoon-shaped, gray-green, often hairy; upper leaves smaller and alternate
Flowers: Large, daisy-like composite flowers with red centers and yellow-tipped ray florets; long bloom season from early summer into fall
Stems: Upright, slightly branched, often rough-textured

Gaillardia aristata is noted for its bold coloration and resilience. The flower heads are showy but structurally simple, optimized for pollinator access rather than ornament alone.

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Known Range

Native Range: Central and western North America, especially the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions
Habitat: Prairies, open grasslands, dry slopes, and roadsides
Cultivated Range: Widely grown across North America and other temperate regions as an ornamental and pollinator plant

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Care / Habitat

Light: Full sun is essential for strong flowering
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained soils preferred; tolerates sandy, rocky, and poor soils
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; tolerates heat and cold well

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Propagation / Reproduction

Propagation:

• Primarily by seed (direct sow or started indoors)
• Can be divided in early spring or fall, though plants often perform best without frequent division

Reproduction:

• Self-seeds readily under favorable conditions
• Flowers are insect-pollinated, primarily by bees and butterflies

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Pests / Diseases / Threats

Pests: Generally pest-resistant; occasional aphids
Diseases: Root rot possible in poorly drained soils; powdery mildew in overly humid conditions
Threats: Overwatering and rich soils reduce longevity

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Additional Notes

• Highly attractive to native pollinators
• Excellent choice for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes
• Often short-lived but compensates with heavy reseeding
• Performs best when left slightly stressed rather than pampered

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Maintenance / Management

Maintenance Level: Low

• Deadheading can extend bloom time but is not required
• Avoid excessive fertilization
• Best longevity achieved in lean soils with full sun exposure