Colorado Desert-marigold
Baileya pauciradiata
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Colorado Desert-marigold (Baileya pauciradiata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A compact perennial wildflower that produces cheerful yellow daisy-like blooms from spring through summer. This low-growing plant forms neat mounds and thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Colorado Desert-marigold takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Wildflower appearance may be considered too informal
- Unknown leaf retention could mean untidy dormant periods
- Desert marigold name may suggest weedy characteristics
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This native wildflower provides nectar from April through July when many other plants are dormant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Colorado Desert-marigold need?
- Colorado Desert-marigold grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Colorado Desert-marigold bloom?
- Colorado Desert-marigold blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is Colorado Desert-marigold native?
- Colorado Desert-marigold (Baileya pauciradiata) is native to AZ, CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Colorado Desert-marigold attract?
- Colorado Desert-marigold draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Colorado Desert-marigold HOA-friendly?
- Colorado Desert-marigold takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Colorado Desert-marigold? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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