An upright, hairy annual, perennial or biennial herb native to Texas with single erect stems and a slender taproot. The terminal red­orange flower color is a misconception. Actually the flower is tiny, creamy white to pale yellow, encircled by the red­orange leaf­like bracts. The seeds are very small and should be sown directly on the soil surface. Adapted to well­drained areas in full sun. Not the easiest variety to cultivate, but the lure of such magnificent flowers certainly compensates for the effort.

Suggested Use: Gardens, roadsides, open meadows, mixtures. Miscellaneous: Creates ribbons of color for miles along Texas highways in the spring. Does not transplant well. Requires a period of time to become established.

Average Planting Success: 40%