Family: Asteraceae

Deciduous or semi-deciduous shrub growing to about 6’ high x 4’ wide. Flowers can occur anytime in the year if there is warm weather.

Grow in full to part sun, moderate to regular water water, some damage occurs at 20-22°F but the plant has recovered from as low as 15°F. Prune back as needed. Does not seem to like container growing.

Incredible nectar plant for butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects. Seeds eaten by granivorous birds.

Though this species has no reported ethnobotanical history, there has been work on the chemistry of this plant. According to some studies, due to its biochemical components and antioxidant activity, the leaves and flowers of this species has potential for use in the food and medicinal industries.

There are 11 species of Lagascea mostly native to Mexico, though a few make it to Central America. This is the only species in the United States. Lagascea is an honorific for Marianio La Gasca y Segura, a 19th century Spanish botanist, while decipiens means deceptive, in some sense not what it appears to be.

Found in canyons from 3,000-4,000 ft. in southern Arizona south through western Mexico to Michoacan.

Photo by Douglas Danforth, SEINET
Lagascea decipiens on iNaturalist