Taxon

Berlandiera lyrata

 
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Berlandiera lyrata - chocolate flower, chocolate daisy
Image: Janice Tucker
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Common name: chocolate flower, chocolate daisy
Family: Asteraceae (Aster)
Distribution: Southwestern and Southcentral United States, Mexico
Habitat: Plains, mesas, grasslands
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)
Life form: Deciduous perennial
Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant
Growing Conditions: Chocolate flower is found on plains and mesas, in grasslands with mesquite, oak, and juniper, and in disturbed soils, at elevations from 4,000-7,000 feet. It is widely distributed along roadsides and in grasslands of New Mexico. It is not particular about soil type as long as it is well drained; it grows in sand, loam, clay, and limestone soils. This heat and drought tolerant plant is a good choice for planting in naturalized areas, wildflower meadows, or borders, blooming from late spring until frost, in poor, dry soils in sun or light shade. It may produce more flowers with consistent moisture, but water encourages sprawling and stem drooping. It is susceptible to root rot in heavy, wet soils. It should be cut back or mowed in mid-summer to encourage rebloom. It is easily grown from seed and often self-seeds in the garden.
Description: Chocolate flower has multiple branched, leafy stems up to 2 feet long, which may be upright or sprawl on the ground. The leaves have irregularly divided lobes. It is best known for its daisy-like flowers that have a chocolate aroma. Flowers (1-2 inches across), with yellow rays surrounding numerous maroon central disks, sit in cup-shaped clusters of overlapping green bracts at the ends of leafless stalks. The yellow ray flowers have reddish-purple veins on the undersides. The flowers bloom throughout summer, opening at night or early morning, and closing by the heat of day.
Links: SFBG Plant of the Month • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Taxonomy) • Horticultural/Botanical article • SEINet • Wildflower Center - Native Plant Database

Locations

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