Gaillardia aristata
# Gaillardia aristata

Gaillardia aristata is a North American species of flowering plant in the sunflower family, known by the common names common blanketflower and common gaillardia. This perennial wildflower is widespread across much of North America, from Yukon east to Québec and south as far as California, Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticut, although it may be naturalized rather than native in parts of that range. It is also naturalized in scattered locations in Europe, Australia, and South America.

## Description

Gaillardia aristata grows in many habitats such as plains, prairies, and meadows. It is a perennial herb reaching maximum heights of anywhere between 20–92 cm (8–36 in). It has lance-shaped leaves near the base and several erect, naked stems holding the flowers.

Each flower head has a center of about 12 brownish or reddish purple disc florets and a fringe of ray florets which are about 10–30 mm (1⁄2–1+1⁄4 in) long and yellow to reddish with dark bases. Flowers bloom July to September.

The fruit is a stout, hairy achene which may be over 10 mm (3⁄8 in) long including the long, spiky pappus.

## Uses

Some Plateau Indian tribes used blanketflower to treat wounds and settle fevers.

Gaillardia aristata is a widely cultivated ornamental plant, used as a perennial garden flower.

