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Habitat

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Zexmenia's native range includes the Edwards Plateau to the Trans-Pecos, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley and into Mexico. In those areas it is an evergreen sub-shrub. However, it is known to be root hardy into zone 7, where it dies to the ground and returns in mid spring. Zexmenia has been a popular landscape plant in Texas for a number of years and is referred to by some gardeners as a "miracle plant" because of its versatility, cold and drought tolerance and long season good looks. This bouquet-like shrublet stands upright in full sun but will adapt to partial shade at the woods edge by reclining slightly to form a mounding groundcover with shiny, dark, sandpapery leaves and slightly fewer golden-orange, nickel-sized daisies than would occur in full sun. Poor rocky sites and amended garden soil are equally suitable provided the drainage is good. It may be cut back by half in July to re-shape or promote denser growth.

Plant Habit or Use: groundcover
small shrub

Exposure: sun
partial sun

Flower Color: golden yellow

Blooming Period: summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: achene

Height: 2 to3 feet

Width: 2 1/2 feet

Plant Character: herbaceous perennial
evergreen

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: