Annuals Dictionary: Xanthisma
Daisy family
Compositae
Zan-this’ma. Sleepy Daisy . A single species, native in Tex. The flowerheads close at night.
Description
Wandlike stems with narrow, alternate leaves. Flowerheads long-stalked, mostly solitary, with 18-20 ray flowers.
How to Grow
Start seeds early indoors and transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after danger of frost is past. (Seedlings are not frost-hardy.) This species does well in a well-drained or even dry location, and with a soil pH of 6.5-7.0. Blooms the first year; in mild climates, will live over winter and bloom the following spring. Prefers cool weather.
Xanthisma texana
Sleepy Daisy ; Star-of-Texas . 2-4 ft. (60-120 cm) high. Flowers yellow, 2 in. (6 cm) wide. Native to dry, open prairies, and well-suited to open places with poor soil. Hardy annual.