Mortellaro's Nursery
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Black Foot Daisy from Mortellaros
Daisy, Black Foot
Daisy, Black Foot
Melampodium leucanthum
Blackfoot Daisy is a Texas native perennial beloved for its hardiness and abundant blooms. This low-growing, mounding plant reaches a mature height of 8 to 12 inches and spreads 12 to 18 inches, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils, perfectly adapted to the arid and semi-arid regions of Texas, including West Texas. Blackfoot Daisy performs best in USDA Zones 5 through 10 and is highly heat- and drought-tolerant once established.
This perennial shines in the landscape with its small, daisy-like white flowers featuring yellow centers, blooming prolifically from spring through fall. Its compact size and ability to thrive in poor soils make it ideal for xeriscaping or as a groundcover in sunny areas. It is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, further adding to its value in Texas gardens. However, it may not perform as well in areas with high humidity or heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
While Blackfoot Daisy is non-toxic, it’s worth noting that its sap can occasionally irritate sensitive skin. It prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soils and requires excellent drainage to avoid root rot. When planting multiple Blackfoot Daisies, space them about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their natural spread and to ensure good airflow, which helps prevent fungal issues. Its ability to withstand intense Texas heat makes it an enduring favorite for sunny, dry landscapes.
In winter, Blackfoot Daisy can tolerate light frosts but may struggle in areas with prolonged freezes. Mulching around the base can help protect its roots during colder months. If the plant dies back in winter, it often returns from the roots in spring when the weather warms.
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Texas Native |
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Long-Blooming Perennial |
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Deer Resistant |
Flower Color:White |
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Height:12 Inches |
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Spread:12 Inches |
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Spacing:12-18 in |
USDA Hardiness Zone 5a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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