General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Sandhills, dry pine flatwoods, open uplands
Native States: FL, GA
Growing Zones: 8–9
Size at Maturity: 1–3 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Annual to short-lived perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Growth Habit: Upright, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Summer to fall (typically July to October)
Bloom Color: Pink to lavender with darker disk flowers
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full
Soil Texture: Sand
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Dry to average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, dry native landscapes, sandy borders
Maintenance Tips: Very low maintenance; thrives in nutrient-poor sandy soils; deadhead for prolonged bloom
Considerations: Not suitable for rich or wet soils; re-seeds readily
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Moderate (due to deep taproot)
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate
Historical Medicinal Uses: None widely documented
Florida Native Companion Plant: Blazing Star, Wiregrass, Sandhill Milkweed, Black-eyed Susan
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Caterpillar Host Plant: No