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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)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Gravelly, Caliche, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Bees

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. Propagation: seed.

Comments

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

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason