Family: Asteraceae

Large evergreen plant growing 12x12’. Large daisy flowers occur in warm weather followed by small, sunflower-like seeds.

Grow full to part sun, with moderate water, root hardy to 15° F. Plants can defoliate or freeze back with temps in the mid 20s°F.

Nectar rich flowers attract all sorts of pollinators. Butterfly larval host for the Crocale Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia ssp. crocale) and the painted lady (Vanessa cardui).

The genus Tithonia is named after Tithonus, a Trojan in mythology and companion of the dawn goddess Aurora. The species name, fruticosa, means shrubby. There are 13 species of Tithonia with a center of distribution in Mexico but with one species extending into the Southwestern United States and several native to Central America.

This species is used medicinally to treat hepatitis, jaundice, night sweats, reduce water retention, lower blood pressure, fight athlete's foot, and combat cystitis.

Native to Sonora in the Sierra Madre Occidental, in canyons, rocky slopes, often in forests (pine-oak, tropical deciduous forest, thornscrub).

Photo by Carianne Funicelli