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Native Plant Society of Texas

Desert Marigold

Baileya multiradiata

Other common name(s):

Showy Desert Marigold, Paper Daisy, Desert Baileya

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Caliche, Clay, Dry, Gravelly, Loam, Rocky, Sand

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Desert, Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Butterflies, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Drought and heat tolerant. A stand of desert marigold will self-sow in favorable conditions but is well behaved. Avoid moist soils which can cause root rot. In the wild it can form solid strips of yellow. In gardens, single plants grow into perfect mounds of yellow. WARNING: toxic to livestock. Native habitat: flat desert areas, stony slopes, mesas, and sandy plains.

Description

Blooms March-November. Desert Marigold varies between annual or short-lived perennial depending on growing conditions. Leaf retention is also variable between deciduous or evergreen, again depending on conditions. Yellow mounds of long-lasting, bright yellow flowers rise on leafless stems above the wooly, gray basal foliage. As the blooms age, they turn papery. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus. Larval host: Desert Marigold Moth, (Schinia minima).
Previous Scientific Name(s): Baileya multiradiata var. thurberi

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in late winter or early spring. The seeds require light to germinate, so press them lightly into the soil without covering them. Germlination typically occurs within 7-10 days under warm conditions 1) https://www.gardenia.net/plant/baileya-multiradiata#:~:text=Propagation,the%20soil%20without%20covering%20them. 2) https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/grow-desert-marigold/
Stem Cutting Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rotting when planted and to reserve energy for root growth. Dab the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Tap off any excess powder. Insert the cut end into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, like cactus or succulent potting soil. Make sure at least two nodes (where the leaves were removed) are buried. Thoroughly water the cutting and place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once roots have established, usually in a few weeks, gradually introduce the young desert Marigold to more sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and provide a well-draining environment to prevent root rot. Avoid overwatering, as desert Marigold is drought-tolerant. Fertilization isn't typically required. Adapt care gradually as the plant matures and becomes more drought-tolerant, mimicking its natural desert environment. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from a mature desert Marigold plant. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut a 3 to 5-inch section. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Baileya_multiradiata.html

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason