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Sphagneticola trilobata

trailing daisy

Asteraceae

Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Sphagneticola trilobata is a fast-spreading, mat-forming perennial growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall with trailing stems 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) long that root at the nodes as they run. The fleshy, glossy green leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, usually with three shallow lobes and a few coarse teeth. Yellow to orange-yellow daisy-like flower heads 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) across are borne singly on short stalks, with 8-13 ray florets surrounding a yellow disc, appearing year-round in frost-free climates. The plant spreads quickly by rooting stems and stem fragments, forming dense mats that exclude other low vegetation. It is listed among invasive species in many tropical and subtropical regions, where it smothers native groundcover. Growth slows or stops below about 50F (10C), and top growth is killed by frost. Plants tolerate poor soil, salt, and brief flooding, but spread is restricted to warm, frost-free or near-frost-free climates.

Native Range

Native to Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America, and naturalized across the Caribbean. Widely introduced as a groundcover in tropical Asia, Africa, the Pacific islands, and the southern United States, where it has escaped into wetlands, roadsides, and disturbed ground.

Suggested Uses

Used as a fast groundcover on banks, road verges, and large open areas in tropical and subtropical climates, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Suits erosion control on slopes where its spreading habit is acceptable. Listed as invasive in many warm regions, where planting is discouraged or prohibited.

How to Identify

Recognized by trailing, rooting stems and fleshy three-lobed glossy leaves with coarse teeth, topped by yellow daisy-like flower heads 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) across with 8-13 ray florets. The mat-forming, ground-rooting habit is characteristic. Distinguished from related yellow composites by the three-lobed leaves and the single flower heads on short stalks.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~40 weeks

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Flowers year-round in tropical and frost-free climates, with peak bloom during warm, wet months. In subtropical areas flowering pauses during cool winter weather and resumes in spring. Frost kills the top growth and halts bloom until regrowth.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to orange-yellow

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam clay

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to partial shade in a wide range of soils, including poor, sandy, and periodically wet ground, and tolerates salt spray. Needs little water once established and withstands short droughts, though growth and flowering are heaviest with regular moisture. Spread is rapid and hard to contain, as stem fragments root readily, so repeated cutting and removal of fragments are needed to limit it. Mowing or shearing keeps mats low but does not stop spread. Few pests or diseases affect it. Edging barriers or growing in raised containers prevents escape into surrounding ground.

Pruning

Shear or mow mats to keep growth low and remove cut stem fragments, which root if left on moist soil. Cut back runners at bed edges to limit spread. Frost-damaged top growth can be cut away in spring before regrowth.