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Tithonia tubaeformis
species; warm season annual
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)
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
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