Emilia fosbergii
red tasselflower
Tropical America (naturalized pantropically)
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Emilia fosbergii is a slender annual in the daisy family, growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall on thin, branching, often purple-tinged stems. The lower leaves are lobed and clasp the stem, while upper leaves are smaller and narrower. On long, nearly bare stalks it carries small, brush-like flower heads about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long, made of densely packed red to red-orange disk florets without spreading rays, so the heads look like little tassels. The heads are followed by fluffy, dandelion-like seed clusters that scatter on the wind. It flowers and seeds almost continuously in warm weather, completing several generations a year in frost-free areas. Native to tropical America, it has naturalized across the warm regions of the world and grows as a weed of lawns, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed ground in the southern United States. The plant draws butterflies and small bees to its colorful heads. Because it self-sows heavily and spreads quickly, it can become a persistent weed. It grows in full sun to part shade on most soils and tolerates heat and humidity. As a frost-tender annual it is killed by cold but reseeds where winters are mild.
Native Range
Considered native to tropical America and naturalized throughout the warmer parts of the world. In the southern United States, especially Florida and the Gulf Coast, it grows as a weed of lawns, gardens, fields, roadsides, and other disturbed open ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in informal and tropical-look plantings, butterfly gardens, and containers for its red tassel-like heads, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. It fills gaps quickly in warm-season beds. Its heavy self-seeding means it is kept clear of natural areas where it could spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowers almost year-round in frost-free climates, with peak bloom in the warm, wet months. In areas with cold winters it blooms from late spring until frost. Flowering and seeding overlap continuously, so heads and fluffy seed clusters appear together.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red to red-orangeFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on most soils, from sandy to loamy, with average moisture; the plant is undemanding and grows in poor ground. It needs little care and self-sows freely, often appearing on its own in beds and lawns. Regular moisture extends bloom, though established plants tolerate short dry spells. Because it seeds heavily, removing spent heads before they release seed limits unwanted spread. As a frost-tender annual it dies in cold weather. No serious pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this short-lived annual. Shearing off faded heads before they set seed reduces self-sowing and keeps a neater look. Whole plants are pulled once they finish flowering.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
spring after last frost
Plant Spacing
10 inches