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Thymophylla pentachaeta

Parralena

Asteraceae

Southwestern United States and Mexico

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Thymophylla pentachaeta is a low, mounding perennial reaching 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) tall and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide, forming a tufted cushion of wiry, branching stems. The leaves are finely divided into narrow, thread-like segments tipped with small bristles, and they are dotted with aromatic oil glands that scent the foliage when brushed. From spring through fall, and nearly year-round in mild climates, the plant carries bright yellow daisy-like flower heads about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across on slender stalks held above the foliage. The seed is a small narrow achene with a bristly crown. It grows on dry, open, gravelly or limestone ground, desert flats, and grassland in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species tolerates intense heat and drought and needs sharp drainage; it rots in wet, heavy soils and is short-lived where summers stay humid. The tiny stature limits its impact except in groups.

Native Range

Thymophylla pentachaeta is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and adjacent states. It grows on dry, gravelly or limestone soils, desert flats, plains, and open grassland.

Suggested Uses

Used in rock gardens, gravel gardens, dry borders, and containers in hot, sunny sites. It suits xeriscapes and lean soils where larger plants struggle. Spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart in groups or as edging.

How to Identify

The low cushion of finely divided, thread-like, bristle-tipped leaves with aromatic glands marks Thymophylla pentachaeta. Bright yellow daisy-like heads about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across rise on thin stalks. Crushed foliage gives off a pungent scent. Plants are small, usually under 10 inches (25 cm) tall.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 10"

Width/Spread8" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~24 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering runs from spring through fall, and nearly year-round in frost-free climates. The small yellow heads open in flushes, heaviest after rain. Bloom slows in the coldest and driest stretches and resumes when conditions ease.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in full sun in gritty, sharply drained, sandy or rocky soil, including alkaline and limestone ground. This species tolerates intense heat and drought and needs little water once established. Wet, heavy, or poorly drained soil causes root and crown rot. No fertilizer is needed, and lean soil keeps the habit tight. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and may be short-lived in humid summer climates. Light shearing after a bloom flush keeps it compact and prompts more flowers.

Pruning

Shear lightly after each main bloom flush to keep the cushion dense and to renew flowering. Cut back leggy or winter-damaged stems in late winter. Plants are short-lived and may be replaced every few years.

Pruning Schedule

winter