Blanket Flower aka Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella)

Native to the Americas, Gaillardia is a bold and cheerful annual or, in warm coastal climates, a short-lived perennial. Its vivid blooms, aptly known in some circles as “Firewheel”, are painted in fiery blends of red, orange, and golden yellow, and seem to capture the warmth of summer sunlight itself. Each daisy-like flower sits atop a hairy branching stem, swaying easily in the breeze and inviting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant’s fine, often gray-green foliage provides a soft contrast to its brilliant blossoms, making it a standout among its neighboring companions.

This species carries a long connection to the open landscapes where it evolved, growing well in the heat and adaptable to drought and nutrient-poor soils with a resilience that has made it beloved by gardeners and restoration ecologists alike. Its common name, “Blanket Flower,” is said to arise from the idea that its radiant colors carpet the prairie like a giant blanket. It is also said to resemble the patterns of traditional woven blankets by Native Peoples- inspiring another one of its namesakes, “Indian Blanket”. The native people were known to use the dried flowers for teas, as well as the roots, to treat a variety of ailments.

Gaillardia’s beautiful blooms will flourish from early summer until frost, especially when spent flowers are removed to encourage new growth. Its seed heads, left in place, provide autumn interest and occasional food for seed-loving birds. As one of the easiest wildflowers to establish, Blanketflower has a nonchalant, joyful presence in the garden and brings energy, warmth, and enduring charm to any setting.