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Viguiera, Genus, dentata, Species,

Genus & species

toothleaf goldeneye

Asteraceae Southern United States and Mexico

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Viguiera dentata is a perennial or woody-based subshrub in the sunflower family that grows 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall and 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) wide, often in loose colonies. The stems are slender and branched, rising from a woody base, and carry triangular to lance-shaped leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long with toothed margins and a rough, sandpapery surface. In fall the plant produces large numbers of yellow daisy-like heads about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with golden-yellow ray florets around a darker yellow disk, held on thin stalks above the foliage. Flowering peaks in autumn and can cover the plant in bloom. It grows on dry limestone soils, rocky slopes, roadsides, and open brush in full sun. The plant dies back in winter in colder parts of its range and resprouts from the base. It self-sows freely and can spread into surrounding ground. Its loose, open habit and late, heavy flowering make it a fall nectar source, though the same vigor can crowd smaller plants in a bed.

Native Range

Viguiera dentata is native to the southern United States and Mexico, from central and western Texas and southern Arizona south through much of Mexico into Central America. It grows on dry, rocky, often limestone soils in grassland, brush, and open woodland.

Suggested Uses

Viguiera dentata is used in native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator and butterfly plantings in dry, sunny sites. It is a fall nectar source for bees and migrating monarchs. Its height and spread suit the back of borders and naturalized areas.

How to Identify

Look for a tall, open perennial 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall with rough, sandpapery, toothed triangular leaves and a heavy fall display of yellow daisy heads about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across. The autumn bloom timing and rough leaf surface separate it from spring- and summer-blooming sunflowers in the same areas.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread2' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Flowers: September–November

Fall

Yellow daisy-like heads open mainly in fall (September-November), often covering the plant at peak bloom. Flowering is triggered by shortening days and can continue until frost. The flowers draw large numbers of bees and migrating butterflies, and seeds follow through late fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

rough medium 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 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam rocky chalk sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Viguiera dentata grows in full sun and dry, well-drained soils, including thin rocky and limestone ground of low fertility. It is drought tolerant once established and needs little or no supplemental water in most climates. It is hardy in roughly USDA zones 8-10 and dies back to its woody base where winters are cold. Sow seed in fall or spring, or cut back the previous season's stems in late winter before new growth. Rich or moist soil produces lank growth and fewer flowers. It self-sows and spreads, so it suits informal and wildlife plantings more than tidy borders.

Pruning

Cut stems back to the base in late winter before new growth begins to keep the plant compact and remove old flowered stems. Shearing lightly in early summer can reduce height and produce a denser fall display.