prairie wildflower
Perfumeballs
Gaillardia suavis
Also known as Pincushion Daisy, Fragrant Gaillardia, Rayless Gaillardia
Native to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas
Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–May Flowering time
- Height up to 30 in to 76 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for partial shade and lean, dry soil. Its red and brown flowers peak in April. At up to 30 in, it suits meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Perfumeballs's red and brown flowers bloom March to May, peaking in April. This spring display draws butterflies and moths.
Perfumeballs blooms red & brownFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Butterflies American Lady also Variegated Fritillary
- Moths Darker-spotted Straw Moth
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- American ladynectar
- Variegated fritillarynectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Kansas, Oklahoma, and TexasUnited States (3): KS, OK, TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas in northeastern MexicoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Sandy, calcareous soils. Clay Loam, Clay, Sandy Loam, Medium LoamThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Water use
- MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 30 in (to 76 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–MayWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Red, BrownThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.