Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information
Perennials

Desert Zinnia, Zinnia acerosa

Desert Zinnia Shrub, Zinnia acerosa October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Desert Zinnia Flower Zinnia acerosa	Desert Zinnia Leaves Zinnia acerosa

Desert Zinnia Zinnia acerosa, Sunflower Family: ( Asteraceae ) , Desert Zinnia. Also called: Wild Zinnia, Spinyleaf Zinnia, White Zinnia. A delightful, low-growing, small, perennial, which forms a tidy bouquet of white flowers! It's a native of Arizona that qualifies as a low water use plant. Be careful in Phoenix gardens. The worse thing you can do is to plant Desert Zinnia in heavy clay soils and overwater it. But if you have a well-drained bed, or live on rock, it's a perfect, no hassle addition. The white flowers are wonderful in the night when you're outside enjoying the garden. It will endure full sun or part shade, and gets about 10" tall. Group several for a more spectacular look. Looks fabulous next to rocks. They need moderate water in the summer. A small amount of water in the winter. Try not to overwater. Height: Up to 10 inches tall. Spreads up to 3 feet wide. Flowers: 1 1/2" flower heads of 4 broad white rays surrounding a small yellow central disk. The flower heads are solitary and terminal on slender stalks. Blooming Time: Late March - November. Best, April. Leaves: Leaves are grayish green, opposite and narrowly linear to lanceolate. About 1-2 inches long. Found: Found Southwestern USA, northern Mexico. Elevation: 800 - 5,000 Feet. Habitat: Desert soil, rock, does well in loose soil on slopes. Miscellaneous: Excellent Xeriscape Landscaping Plant. Flowering Photos Taken October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum.