Botanical family: Asteraceae

Tagetes lucida

Native to Central America, Mexico, Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon) is a small shrub that grows 2-5 feet tall and wide. It's a great choice for warmer climates, as it doesn't perform well in cold weather or temperatures below 15 degrees F. The plant usually grows best in full sun, though it can tolerate semi-shade conditions. It needs regular watering in order to thrive and will produce yellow and orange flowers during its blooming season. The flowers are highly fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.

Tagetes lucida has ethnomedical uses. It is used as an herbal remedy, a spice, and herb. In Mexico, Tagetes lucida is a common ingredient in herbal teas and is used to treat various ailments, such as digestive and immune system disorders.

Tagetes lucida is an ideal plant for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, and easy to cultivate as it requires minimal maintenance and fertilizer. In pots, it should be grown in a well-draining soil mix with 6-8 hours of sun per day. When growing Tagetes lucida in cold regions, you may want to bring the pot indoors or place it in a sheltered area during the winter months. Make sure to place the pot in a sunny spot and water regularly, to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Lastly, mulch your plant to keep the soil temperature and moisture levels consistent. With proper care, Tagetes lucida will add vibrant colors and a pleasant fragrance to your garden year-round.

Tagetes sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Tagetes is a genus of 51 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants. They have pinnate green leaves, and white, golden, orange, yellow, to an almost red floral heads.

Depending on the species, marigold foliage has a musky, pungent scent, though some varieties have been bred to be scentless. Marigolds have naturalized in many other warm climate areas all over the world.

The triploid marigolds are sterile hybrids obtained by crossing the Tagetes patulawith the Tagetes erecta. Common but colorful, inexpensive and easy to germinate and grow, there are varieties available in a wide range of heights, hues and flower forms.

Plant marigolds in the vegetable garden where they are said to discourage certain insect pests.

Tithonia diversifolia

Sunflower Tree, also known as the Tree Marigold, is a perfect choice if you want a fast-growing shrub to hide something you don't like in just a few months. But that's not all! This tree also has beautiful sunflower-like flowers that look really happy.

The Sunflower Tree grows really quickly and has cute flowers that are about 2-3 inches wide. When it's fully grown, it's about 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide, like a big, cozy blanket.

Even when it gets a bit chilly in winter and there's a light freeze, the Sunflower Tree doesn't mind too much. It bounces back every spring, even stronger than before, like a champion.

If you live in Central Florida where it sometimes gets a little frosty, the Sunflower Tree is a super good choice. It's like a tough, colorful wall that grows fast and makes your yard look awesome.

Tripteris sinuata, Osteospermum sinuatum

Some authors have classified as a Tripteris subgenus of Osteospermum, but more recent studies support separating it as a distinct genus.

Unknown 121

Espeletia ?

Unknown 43

Olearia argophylla (?)

Unknown 83

Vernonia sp.

Vernonia sp., also known as the Tropical Aster or Bitterleaf, is a small shrub native to Africa. It is commonly used as a spice or herb in traditional medicines and is known for its attractive purple flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant is easy to grow in USDA Zones 8-10 and prefers full sun and moderate water. It is recommended to water regularly during blooming season, but keep the soil a little dryer during winter. If grown in a pot, it should be kept in a sheltered spot in colder weather and should be protected from harsh winds.

Vernonia sp. is not only known for its beauty, but also for its edible fruit that is high in vitamin A and other nutrients. The fruit can be used to make jams, sauces, and jellies and can be eaten raw. It is known to have numerous health benefits including improving vision, reducing cholesterol, aiding in weight loss, boosting the immune system, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. A mature plant can typically produce 2-3 pounds of fruit, although with proper care it can produce more.

Vernonia sp. is an excellent choice for any garden due to its beautiful flowers and nutritious fruit. With proper care, you can enjoy all the benefits this plant has to offer.

In general Vernonia is a genus of plants that includes around 1000 plant species. Many of these species are known for their purple flowers. Some species are edible. The genus was named after the English botanist William Vernon. In West and Central Africa, these plants are commonly known as Bitterleaf, Ewuro, Ndole, and Onugbu. They are popularly consumed as leaf vegetables in Cameroon. The leaves have a sweet and bitter taste. Vernonia calvoana is a key ingredient in the Cameroonian national dish of Ndole.

Vernonia has medicinal properties as well. It has been used to treat diabetes and reduce fever. These leaves are exported from several African countries and can be found in grocery stores that serve African clients. Vernonia galamensis is also used as an oilseed in East Africa. In Brazil, Vernonia condensata is traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other medicinal properties.

Vernonia species are also used as food plants by the larvae of certain Lepidoptera butterflies, including Coleophora vernoniaeella and Schinia regia.

Wedelia trilobata, Sphagneticola trilobata

Wedelia (Wedelia trilobata), native to Central America and Mexico, is an excellent ground cover, perfect for warm climates. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, and requires regular water. It also has colorful flowers - bright yellow and orange - making it an ideal choice for adding some cheer to a garden.

Wedelia has a fast growth rate and can become quite invasive. If you live in USDA Zone 8-11 and don't have a very large garden or green space, it's best to grow it in a pot. In winter, when the climate is cold, the plant will need some protection from frost. Make sure to also keep it in a spot that receives some sunlight and lots of moisture.

Wedelia does not require a lot of pruning or deadheading. In fact, it is best left to its own devices and pruned only if it starts to encroach on other plants.

Overall, Wedelia is a great choice for adding some vibrant color to a garden. It's a low-maintenance plant and won't require a lot of upkeep. Just make sure to give it enough sunlight, water regularly and provide good drainage. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to be more vigilant to protect it from frost, but with the right care and attention, it can thrive.

Xerochrysum bracteatum, Helichrysum bracteatum, Bracteantha bracteata

Xerochrysum bracteatum, also known as Strawflower, is a popular plant choice for gardeners in USDA zones 8-10. This small plant is easy to care for and produces a showy display of colorful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It can be grown in either full sun or semi-shade and requires regular or moderate watering to ensure optimal growth and flowering. The plant comes in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, yellow, and orange.

When planting Xerochrysum bracteatum in a pot, gardeners in colder regions should take extra care to ensure the plant thrives. Bring the pot indoors during cold winters.

Xerochrysum bracteatum is not only a great addition to a garden but is also excellent for use in dried arrangements.

Xerochrysum bracteatum has been proven to be adaptable to cultivation and was first propagated and developed in Germany in the 1850s. Annual cultivars in a range of color forms, from white to bronze to purple flowers, are widely available.