Lindheimera spp.

Texas star

Asteraceae

South-central United States and northern Mexico

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Lindheimera spp. is a genus in the daisy family, Asteraceae, containing the single species Texas star, Lindheimera texana, an annual wildflower native to Texas and adjacent northern Mexico. Plants are erect, branching annuals 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall, with coarse, hairy stems and oval to lance-shaped leaves that are toothed or lobed toward the base. From early spring into summer, the stems carry yellow flower heads about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, each with five broad, notched ray florets that give a clear five-pointed star outline around a small yellow center. The genus grows in open, sunny sites on limestone-derived clay and gravelly soils of prairies, roadsides, and rocky slopes, completing its life cycle from autumn or winter germination through spring bloom. Plants are adapted to alkaline soils and seasonal drought and decline in rich, wet, or shaded ground. Abundant seed is set and self-sows readily, so colonies persist from year to year on suitable open ground.

Native Range

Lindheimera texana is native to the south-central United States and northern Mexico, centered on Texas, where it grows on limestone-based clay, gravelly soils, and disturbed open ground in prairies, roadsides, and rocky slopes.

Suggested Uses

Grown in wildflower meadows, prairie restorations, naturalistic sowings, and sunny borders and containers in regions with alkaline soils. It is used in native-plant and pollinator plantings and in roadside and reclamation seed mixes in the south-central United States.

How to Identify

Identify Lindheimera spp. by erect, hairy annual stems carrying yellow flower heads with five broad, notched ray florets that form a five-pointed star around a small center. Lower leaves are toothed or lobed, while upper leaves are smaller and simpler. The flat, winged seeds and limestone prairie habitat help confirm it.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs from early spring into early summer, generally March to May, peaking before summer heat. Yellow star-shaped flower heads open over several weeks on branching stems. Seed ripens quickly and drops to renew colonies from the seedbank.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

clay rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Lindheimera texana grows in full sun in well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils, including limestone clay and gravel. Seed is sown in autumn for spring bloom, germinating with cool-season moisture and flowering as days lengthen. Moderate water through germination and early growth supports flowering, after which plants tolerate dry conditions. Rich, wet, or shaded sites reduce flowering and cause weak growth. As an annual, it completes its cycle in a single season and depends on self-sown seed to return. Crowding from vigorous neighbors reduces stand density.

Pruning

No pruning is needed for this annual; plants are left to flower and set seed for the next season. Spent plants can be cleared once seed has shed. Removing faded heads before seed set limits self-sowing where that is not wanted.