Cowpen Daisy
Verbesina encelioides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Verbesina encelioides (Cowpen Daisy) is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming yellow flowers from June through November across much of the central and southwestern United States.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cowpen Daisy as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–60" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 23 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cowpen Daisy is a cheerful annual wildflower that produces abundant bright yellow, daisy-like blooms from summer through late fall. This hardy native grows 1-5 feet tall and thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal care. It readily self-seeds and can spread to form naturalized colonies in suitable locations.
Growing Cowpen Daisy
Grow Cowpen Daisy in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cowpen Daisy is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- May flop without support
- Best in less formal zones
Wildlife value
This plant is a pollinator powerhouse, attracting butterflies, bees, moths, and other beneficial insects throughout its long blooming season. The abundant nectar and late-season flowers provide crucial food sources when many other plants have finished blooming.
Common questions
- When does Cowpen Daisy bloom?
- Verbesina encelioides blooms from June through November, providing an extended flowering period that supports pollinators late into the growing season.
- What pollinators visit Cowpen Daisy?
- Cowpen Daisy attracts a diverse range of pollinators including butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, and other nectar-feeding insects throughout its long blooming period.
- Where is Verbesina encelioides native?
- Cowpen Daisy is native to 27 states spanning from the Great Plains through the Southwest and Southeast, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and extending east to Florida and the Carolinas.
- What growing conditions does Cowpen Daisy prefer?
- This hardy wildflower thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens in its native range.
- Is Cowpen Daisy toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cowpen Daisy as toxic to livestock.
- Is Cowpen Daisy HOA-friendly?
- Cowpen Daisy is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Cowpen Daisy fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.