General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Sandhills, open woodlands, prairies, roadsides, and well-drained fields
Native States: Eastern and central United States, including Florida
Growing Zones: 3-9
Size at Maturity: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Clumping, upright
Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
Bloom Color: Orange, yellow-orange
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, well-drained soils
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Moisture Requirements: Dry to average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Butterfly gardens, wildflower meadows, dry gardens, roadsides, pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Avoid overwatering; prune dead stems in winter for fresh spring growth; slow to establish due to deep taproot
Considerations: Does not transplant well due to deep taproot; may be slow to emerge in spring
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: Caution (toxic in large quantities due to cardiac glycosides)
Pet Safe: No (toxic if ingested)
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate resistance
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used by Native Americans for respiratory ailments, wound healing, and as an expectorant
Florida Native Companion Plant: Blazing Star (Liatris sp.), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes (Monarch butterfly, Queen butterfly)
Propagation: Seeds (requires cold stratification), cuttings (difficult due to deep taproot)