Great Blanket-flower
Gaillardia aristata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Gaillardia aristata is a drought-tolerant native wildflower that produces bright yellow and red daisy-like blooms from June through September across the western and northern United States.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Great Blanket-flower as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
18"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CO, CT, ID, MA and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Great blanket-flower produces bright orange and red daisy-like blooms with yellow tips from June through September. This drought-tolerant perennial forms clumps of gray-green foliage and thrives in poor soils where other flowers struggle.
Growing Great Blanket-flower
Grow Great Blanket-flower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Great Blanket-flower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation, front yard.
- Can self-seed aggressively if not deadheaded
- Foliage may look sparse in winter
Wildlife value
The long-blooming flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout summer and fall. Seeds provide food for finches and other small birds.
Common questions
- When does Gaillardia aristata bloom?
- Great Blanket-flower typically blooms from June through September, providing late summer color when many other native plants have finished flowering.
- What pollinators visit Gaillardia aristata?
- This native wildflower attracts various bees and butterflies, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat.
- Where is Gaillardia aristata native?
- Great Blanket-flower is native to thirteen states including Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Minnesota, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
- How much water does Gaillardia aristata need?
- This drought-tolerant native requires low water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens in appropriate regions.
- Is Great Blanket-flower toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Great Blanket-flower as toxic to livestock.
- Is Great Blanket-flower HOA-friendly?
- Great Blanket-flower 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 Great Blanket-flower? 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