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Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy)

Photo/Illustration: Alan Franz

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Melampodium leucanthum mel-am-POE-dee-um lew-KAN-thum

Common Name: Blackfoot daisy Genus: Melampodium

A native perennial shrub that grows to about 2 feet tall and wide and covers itself the whole season with honey-scented, white and yellow daisy flowers. The foliage is typical of the aster family. Plant en masse in a well-drained border or use in a rock garden. Blackfoot daisy can be short-lived.
Noteworthy characteristics: Honey scented, daisy-like flowers. U.S. native.
Care: Needs very good drainage and full sun or a little shade.
Propagation: Start from seed.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun Only
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Moderate
Characteristics	Fragrant Flowers; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Early Fall; Early Summer; Late Spring; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color	White Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders
Style	Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest
Type	Perennials,Shrubs

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posted by 2Dena
5/15/2010
Region: Lower Plains
Zone: 8

I have the Blackfoot Daisy planted along my sidewalk. It takes the heat from the concrete with no problems. It spills a little over the walk softening the edges and produced small, white daisy-like blooms all summer long until first frost. It doesn't like a lot of water so it's fairly maintenance free even in August heat. I've lost some thru winter and it's worth it to replant them next spring. Some do make it thru winter. They are difficult to find in normal chain-store nurseries, have to go to nurseries with better stock of native perennials. I am going to try mail order supply this year.

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