Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella)
Other common names for this plant include
Indian Blanket
Firewheel is an easy to grow annual nectar plant with a native range that is widespread 
across the United States and Canada. In some climates firewheel may be considered a short lived perennial but in most locations it is easily grown (and spread) by seed and treated as an annual. While its water requirements are low, firewheel does require well drained soil. It will even thrive in light, sandy soils near beaches and seasides. Rich soil may cause fewer flowers and large, droopy plants.
Although firewheel is a commonly found wild flower in prairies, roadsides, and meadows, there is no reason not to plant it in garden beds, as a container plant, or as a border in a dry, sunny location.
Importance as a caterpillar food source: Firewheel is not a caterpillar food source.
Importance as a butterfly nectar source: Loved as a nectar plant by a wide variety of butterflies.
| USDA Hardiness Zone | N/A |
| Bloom Period | April - August |
| Bloom Color | Yellow-Orange-Red |
| Plant Height | 12 - 18 inches |
| Plant Spread | 18 - 36 inches |
| Light Exposure | Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Medium, well drained |
| Animal/Pest Problems | Generally pest free |
 |
Native Range for Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella)