Overview
Krigia virginica is a small annual or winter annual 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) tall, forming a basal rosette of narrow, lobed or toothed leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long. The leaves and stems contain milky white sap. Each slender, leafless stalk carries a single flower head 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across, made up entirely of yellow to orange-yellow ray florets, opening in morning sun and closing by afternoon. New stalks arise in succession as the plant branches from the base. Flowering runs from March to June, earlier in the south. The species grows in dry, sandy or rocky open ground, including fields, roadsides, glades, and disturbed sites across eastern and central North America. Early plants from autumn germination overwinter as rosettes and flower in spring, while later seedlings flower the same season. Seed is dispersed by a parachute of bristles like a small dandelion. A limitation is its short stature and brief bloom, which make individual plants easy to overlook outside the spring flowering window.
Native Range
Krigia virginica is native to eastern and central North America, from Maine and Ontario south to Florida and Texas. It is most common on sandy soils of the coastal plain, the Appalachians, and the Ozark region.Suggested Uses
Used in native plant gardens, sandy meadow plantings, rock gardens, and restoration seed mixes for dry, open ground. Suited to the front of a planting or between stepping stones, where its low rosettes fill gaps. The flowers supply early-season nectar and pollen for small native bees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from March to June, opening in the morning and closing by midday. Bloom is earliest in southern parts of the range and where plants germinate in autumn. Each head lasts a single day, replaced by new heads over several weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to orange-yellowFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Krigia virginica grows in full sun and dry, sandy, or rocky soils with low fertility and sharp drainage. Seed is sown in autumn or early spring directly where plants are to grow, since the species resents root disturbance. It needs little or no supplemental water and tolerates poor, thin soils that limit taller competitors. Rich or moist ground produces softer growth and fewer flowers. Plants self-sow freely, returning each year where the soil is left bare and open.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Plants can be left to self-sow, or pulled once seed has dispersed if spread is not wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
fall or early spring
Days to Maturity
50–80 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches