Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): Native Area, Characteristics & Cultivation

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Baileya multiradiata is a North American species of sun-loving wildflower in the family Asteraceae. Desert Marigold can be found in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, as well as in Texas. Desert marigold grows twelve inches tall and wide with fuzzy greenish-gray leaves and a compact, mounded shape. While a short-lived plant, it beautifies the landscape by producing bright yellow, daisy-like blossoms that grow on long stems. The plant blooms through the early spring and into the summer months, and may intermittently bloom all year, except during the cold weather. 

This plant can also take hold and germinate in disturbed areas along roadsides. Use it as a summer color or re-vegetation plant, in containers, or in desert rock gardens with cacti to add a touch of color to an area. It is a good companion plant to verbena and penstemon.

Some common names of desert marigold are:

  • Wooly desert marigold
  • Mary’s Gold
  • Paper Daisy
  • Desert Baileya

Characteristics

  • Appearance: The plant has silvery-green foliage and produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. The flowers are typically short-lived, losing their ray florets early, leaving behind a nodding stalk holding the disc florets where the seeds develop.
  • Growth Conditions: Desert Marigold requires well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is drought, frost, and heat resistant, but flowering and foliage production may cease during severe drought or hard frost.
  • Water Needs: It has low water requirements and can be watered intermittently to keep plants blooming, but overwatering can lead to crown rot and plant death.
  • Maintenance: Desert Marigold requires minimal maintenance and can be propagated from seed without any special treatment.
  • Blooming Period: The plant begins flowering in March and continues to bloom intermittently until November, with blooms triggered by rainfall.
  • Garden Uses: Desert Marigold is suitable for beds and borders, patio containers, and rain gardens. It works well with other desert or arid area plants such as Creosote Bush, Joshua Tree, and Desert Lavender.
  • Toxicity: While it is not typically a problem for livestock, Desert Marigold contains an unknown water-soluble compound that can be toxic to sheep, goats, and rabbits if consumed in large quantities.

Desert Marigold Distribution

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) has a wide distribution across various states and regions, particularly in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

  • Northwestern Mexico: Found in states such as Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, and Aguascalientes.
  • California: Native to parts of the state, particularly in desert regions.
  • Arizona: Common in desert areas.
  • Nevada: Found in desert regions.
  • Utah: Present in desert areas.
  • New Mexico: Native to desert regions.
  • Texas: Found in desert regions, particularly in the southwest.
  • Southwestern United States: General region where it is commonly found, including the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts.

Cultivation of Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)

  • Plant Type: A perennial wildflower native to arid regions, often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
  • Climate: Thrives in hot, dry environments and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for desert landscapes.
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure to bloom profusely; partial shade can reduce flower production.
  • Soil Requirements: Prefers sandy or rocky, well-drained soils with low fertility. Avoids heavy, clay-rich soils.
  • Watering: Needs minimal watering once established; overwatering can lead to root rot.
  • Temperature Tolerance: Can withstand high temperatures and light frosts, making it hardy in USDA zones 8–11.
  • Propagation:
    • Seeds: Best sown directly in the soil during early spring or fall.
    • Spacing: Seeds should be spaced 12–18 inches apart to allow for mature growth.
  • Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 10–14 days under warm conditions (65–75°F).
  • Growth Habit: Forms a low-growing, mounding shape with silvery-gray, woolly foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
  • Blooming Period: Flowers from spring to fall, with peak blooming during the hottest months. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering.
  • Pests and Diseases: Resistant to most pests but can occasionally be affected by aphids or powdery mildew in overly humid conditions.
  • Landscape Use: Popular for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and roadside plantings. Its vibrant yellow flowers add a cheerful touch to arid landscapes and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

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