Tithonia tubaeformis
This tall Mexican sunflower species grows as a fast annual in long, warm seasons. It carries yellow daisylike flowers on long, branching stems. It thrives in full sun and well drained soil. It can reseed and naturalize where winters are mild. It is not reliably hardy in most of North America. It suits large naturalistic plantings where height is welcome.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; warm season annual
- Height x spread: 6 to 10 ft (1.8 to 3 m) x 3 to 5 ft (0.9 to 1.5 m)
- Bloom window: late summer to fall (varies by climate)
- Color & flower form: yellow daisylike heads 3.5 to 5.5 in (9 to 14 cm) across
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America; frost tender
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, Mexico to Honduras
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- Taller and more open habit than the common annual Mexican sunflower.
- Yellow flowers instead of orange red tones.
- Readier self seeding in mild climates.
Strengths
- Fast growth to make a seasonal screen.
- Good heat and drought tolerance once established.
- Long stems for airy effects and pollinator support.
Care in one minute
- Grow in full sun with well drained soil and average fertility.
- Irrigate to establish; then deep water during dry spells.
- Pinch once at 12 in (30 cm) for branching; stake if windy.
- Deadhead to limit reseeding and encourage more bloom.
Watch‑outs
- Can self seed and spread; remove volunteers where unwanted.
- Tall stems may need staking in exposed sites.
- Listed as invasive in parts of South America and southern Africa.
Best uses (tags)
naturalistic borders; pollinators; seasonal screen; heat tolerant
Provenance note
Native to Mexico to Honduras. Reported invasive in Argentina and southern Africa; use with care outside cultivation.
References
- Kew – Plants of the World Online: Tithonia tubaeformis
- Bothalia: African Biodiversity & Conservation – Distribution of invasive alien Tithonia species
- Weed Science (Cambridge Univ. Press) – Seed dormancy and germination ecology of T. tubaeformis
- Wildflowersearch – Species notes for Tithonia tubaeformis
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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