Status:
valid
Authors:
(Hemsl.) A.Gray
Source:
gcc
Year:
1883
Citation Micro:
Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 19: 5 (1883)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000018279
Common Names
- Mexican Sunflower
- Tree Marigold
- Diversifolia Tithonia
Description
Tithonia diversifolia (also called Mexican Sunflower, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Mexico. It has a basal rosette of green, lobed leaves and produces yellow flowers in the summer. It is found in dry, rocky areas and on cliffs.
Uses & Benefits
Tithonia diversifolia is used as an ornamental plant, as a bee forage crop, and as a soil erosion control plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Tithonia diversifolia is a bright yellow daisy-like flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tithonia diversifolia is a perennial plant that is best grown in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It can be propagated by division in spring or autumn. It can also be propagated from seed, although this is a slow process.
Where to Find Tithonia diversifolia
Tithonia diversifolia is native to Central and South America. It can be found in dry, open areas, often in grasslands or savannas.
Tithonia diversifolia FAQ
What are the common names of Tithonia diversifolia?
Common names of Tithonia diversifolia include Mexican Sunflower, Tree Marigold, and Red Sunflower.
What is the growth habit of Tithonia diversifolia?
Tithonia diversifolia is an upright, fast-growing, annual or short-lived perennial shrub that can reach up to 8 feet in height.
What is the soil type for Tithonia diversifolia?
Tithonia diversifolia prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Species in the Tithonia genus
Tithonia hondurensis,
Tithonia pedunculata,
Tithonia koelzii,
Tithonia diversifolia,
Tithonia rotundifolia,
Tithonia tubaeformis,
Tithonia fruticosa,
Tithonia tagetifolia,
Tithonia longiradiata,
Tithonia brachypappa,
Tithonia calva,
Tithonia thurberi,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,