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Native Plant Society of Texas

Tahoka Daisy

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

Other common name(s):

Tansyaster, Tansy-aster, Tansey-leaf, Tansyleaf Tansyaster

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.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands
Broken Red Plains
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Arid Llano Estacado, Canadian/Cimarron High Plains, Llano Estacado, Rolling Sand Plains, Shinnery Sands
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys, Semiarid Canadian Breaks

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

2
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Annual

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Blue, Purple, Violet

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Often naturalized in a short grass meadow or on a rocky slope or other hard to maintain area. Also used to plant between flagstones. Periodic watering will encourage blooms. Shake out seeds when you pull up the dead plants and allow the new ones to come up where they will. Good drainage is required for success. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-October. Plants often form clumps or mounds. Flower heads with many bright purple, very narrow rays surrounding a yellow central disc. Densely covered with sharp-pointed, deeply cut leaves which appear fern-like. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Aster tanacetifolius, Machaeranthera coronopifolia, Machaeranthera parthenium

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow the seeds directly in the garden or in pots in early spring. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and keep the soil lightly moist until germination occurs. https://earthone.io/plant/machaeranthera%20tanacetifolia
Seed Stratification Machaeranthera tanacetifolia seeds benefit from stratification (cold treatment). This helps break dormancy and improve germination rates, especially for spring planting. Place seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel or vermiculite. Store the bag in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting. Timing: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Containers: Use seed starting trays or small pots with drainage holes. Soil: Use a seed starting mix or a well-draining potting mix. Planting: Sow seeds very shallowly, barely covering them with soil. They need light to germinate. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle or gentle watering can to avoid disturbing the seeds. Light: Provide ample light. A sunny window may not be enough, especially in early spring. Grow lights are highly recommended for starting Machaeranthera tanacetifolia indoors. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost and when they have developed a few sets of true leaves. Harden them off gradually before transplanting. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart. https://nativefloraseeds.org/products/tahoka-daisy#:~:text=Follow%20the%20same%20planting%20steps,4%2D6%20weeks%20before%20planting.
Seed Scarification Scarification 1(lightly scratching or nicking the seed coat) is not generally required, but it can sometimes improve germination rates. If you choose to scarify, gently rub the seeds with fine-grit sandpaper or use a nail file to nick the seed coat. Be careful not to damage the inner part of the seed. Timing: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Containers: Use seed starting trays or small pots with drainage holes. Soil: Use a seed starting mix or a well-draining potting mix. Planting: Sow seeds very shallowly, barely covering them with soil. They need light to germinate. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle or gentle watering can to avoid disturbing the seeds. Light: Provide ample light. A sunny window may not be enough, especially in early spring. Grow lights are highly recommended for starting Machaeranthera tanacetifolia indoors. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost and when they have developed a few sets of true leaves. Harden them off gradually before transplanting. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart. https://nativefloraseeds.org/products/tahoka-daisy#:~:text=Follow%20the%20same%20planting%20steps,4%2D6%20weeks%20before%20planting.

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