Gaillardia aristata

(Blanketflower)

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Gaillardia aristata, Rist Canyon, Larimer Co. 2058

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Gaillardia aristata, Cordova Pass, FR 415, Huerfano Co. 7007

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Gaillardia aristata, Medano Pass, Saguache Co. 7725

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Gaillardia aristata, Medano Pass, Saguache Co. 7725

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Gaillardia aristata, Rist Canyon, Larimer Co. 2071

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Gaillardia aristata, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 1873

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Gaillardia aristata, Rist Canyon, Larimer Co. 2060

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Gaillardia aristata, Medano Pass, Saguache Co. 7736

Scientific Name Gaillardia aristata USDA PLANTS Symbol GAAR
Common Name Blanketflower, Great Blanketflower ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 37398
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (4900 to 9500 ft.); dry to somewhat moist soils in open, sunny areas.
Plant: Erect perennial up to 28 inches tall.
Leaves: Hairy, rough, oblanceolate to lanceolate, grayish-green basal and stem leaves 2 to 6 inches long, with lobed, toothed or entire margins.
Inflorescence: Large composite flower heads up to 3-1/2 inches across with 12 to 18 yellow, or yellow with purplish bases, rays, each with three deep lobes; dome-shaped center with 60-120 disk florets, usually purple or purple-tipped, rarely yellow.
Bloom Period: May to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel and Flora of North America.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains