Firewheel
Gaillardia pulchella
Last reviewed: July 2026
Gaillardia pulchella (Firewheel) is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming red-orange flowers from June through September across the Great Plains and Southwest. This hardy forb attracts bees and butterflies while requiring minimal water.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Firewheel as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CO, KS, MO and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rose-ring blanket-flower is a colorful annual wildflower that produces bright daisy-like blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow from summer through fall. This compact plant forms neat mounds and provides continuous color in sunny, dry locations. It requires minimal water once established.
Growing Firewheel
Grow Firewheel in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Firewheel is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Needs replanting annually
- May self-seed in unwanted areas
Wildlife value
The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds also provide food for birds in late fall.
Common questions
- When does Gaillardia pulchella bloom?
- Firewheel blooms from June through September, producing vibrant red-orange daisy-like flowers throughout the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Firewheel?
- Gaillardia pulchella attracts various bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens in native plant landscapes.
- Where is Firewheel native?
- Gaillardia pulchella is native to the Great Plains and Southwest, naturally occurring in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Firewheel prefer?
- Firewheel thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it ideal for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens in its native range.
- Is Firewheel toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Firewheel as toxic to livestock.
- Is Firewheel HOA-friendly?
- Firewheel 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.
Ready to grow Firewheel? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz