Daisy on the dry side – Engelmann’s daisy
Engelmann’s daisy is one of the most adaptable plants native to the great North American Steppe. The plants will thrive in any type of garden condition except for deep shade. This sturdy yellow daisy will give just the right amount of height to your xeric perennial border, and will be the work-horse of your pollinator garden. Engelmann’s daisy occurs naturally in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
The fuzzy cut green foliage adds an interesting lush texture to the very dry garden. Flowers open in the afternoon and bloom through the night eventually fading and recurving in the hottest part of the day. These wildflowers are a favorite of grazing herbivores and will disappear from overgrazed meadows. Deadheading will help increase and maximize the longevity of the bloom season. This bright sunny perennial is sure to be a favorite of habitat gardeners and will bring plenty of color and life to your garden as well.
View the plant profile here.
Engelmann’s daisy
Engelmannia peristenia
Perennial
Size: 28” tall x 14-16” wide
Blooms: May to frost
Sun: Part shade to full sun
Water: Moderate to dry
Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-10
Culture: Thrives in all kinds of soil
Thanks to Mike Bone, Curator of Steppe Collection, Denver Botanic Gardens for this piece
I have read that the Engelmann daisy is browsed by both livestock and deer. My question is what parts are consumed by either animal and at what times of the year?
It has been our experience that this plant is not browsed on. This is a great plant and that would be unfortunate if it were browsed upon.
Actually, the USDA says it is very nutritious for grazing cattle. It is high in protein and is very palatable. Cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits and deer like to eat it. See https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_enpe4.pdf