Origin:
A number of species of Gaillardia are native plants in North America, occurring throughout the Unites States and into southern Canada, south into Mexico. Gaillardia pulchella is an introduced weed species in Hawaii, and is a native plant in the southwest U.S.
Biology:
Plant life varies from annuals in colder climates to short lived perennials in warmer climates. Reproduction is from seeds. These can be invasive plants as they spread rapidly from the large seed production. They are found along roadsides, in pastures, and in disturbed areas.
Identification:
Plants grow to about 15 inches tall, with most of the leaves at the base of the plant where they are broader and on short stalks. The fewer leaves that grow along the stem are narrower and without stalks. All leaves are very hairy on both surfaces, and may be with their margins entire or they may be toothed or slightly lobed. The distinctive, colorful, daisy-like flowers are large and open very wide. The disc flowers are yellow and crimson and form a large, round center. The ray flowers have crimson bases and yellow tips, and are usually separated from each other by a space. The tips of the ray flowers have 2 deep notches.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Where only a few plants exist they can be physically removed or killed with a contact herbicide. Prevention relies on a pre-emergent herbicide placed prior to seed germination.
