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Angelita Daisy

Tetraneuris acaulis

true

1 gallon

Angelita Daisy

In stock

1'x1.5'

Sizes:

Angelita Daisy - Tetraneuris acaulis

Angelita daisy is an excellent perennial that brings a splash of golden color year-round to low desert gardens. Native to rocky slopes and dry mesas throughout the Southwest, this compact, dense plant forms clumps of slender, grass-like leaves about 12 inches tall and 15 inches wide. Bright yellow-gold daisy blossoms rise above the foliage on tall, leafless stems, creating a cheerful display.

For best results, plant Angelita Daisy in full sun with well-drained soil. Thanks to its long bloom period, old seed heads can make the plant look a bit scruffy; removing spent flowers every few months helps keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

Wildlife Value
Angelita Daisy is an important nectar source for a variety of native pollinators throughout the Colorado and Mojave Desert regions. Its long bloom period supports native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The dense foliage provides cover for small desert wildlife, while the seeds offer food for seed-eating birds.

Host Plant: Limited data on specific butterfly or moth larval hosts, but valuable for general pollinator support.

Nectar Source: Attracts native bees such as Bombus spp. (bumblebees) and solitary bees.
Supports butterflies including Danaus plexippus (Monarch) and local sulfur butterflies.

Bird Resources: Seeds provide food for finches and sparrows.
Provides cover for small birds and reptiles.

Bird Species: Spinus psaltria (Lesser Goldfinch), Passerina amoena (Lazuli Bunting), and Aimophila ruficeps (Rufous-crowned Sparrow) are commonly associated with habitats where Angelita Daisy grows.

Bees: Supports native solitary bees and Apis mellifera (European Honeybee).

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade; Reflected Heat

Mature size:

1'x1.5'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Golden Yellow

Flower season:

Year Round

Pruning:

Deadhead old flowers

Cold Hardiness:

dormant below 10 degrees, withstands -20 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.