Gaillardia pulchella

I suppose the thinking is that any wild flowers blooming along the side of the road will beautify that road and who cares what is in the hydro-seed mix that is laid down after construction. And it could be just me that thinks perhaps some thought should go into what seed is in the mix to be sprayed along the sides of the highways. I’m sure the argument is that at least they are native, but I want to shout, “Not native to this area you nincompoops!”

Gaillardia pulchella is a beautiful annual wildflower found all over southeastern Arizona from 3,500’ to5,500’ in elevation. It has been in the nursery trade for many many years and so you can find all sorts of colorful cultivars to plant and play with and they are fun, but please not along the sides of our roads where they will escape into the desert or grassland. The desert is beautiful and needs no embellishment.