Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Tithonia diversifolia |
| Family Name: | Asteraceae |
| Common Name(s): | Mexican Sunflower, Tree Marigold |
| Size: | Can grow up to 6-10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide |
| Plant Type: | Shrub, Perennial in tropical climates, Annual in colder zones |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to Central America and Mexico, widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide |
| Native to: | Central America, Mexico |
| Native range in the USA: | Is not native to the USA. However, it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in various tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, especially in states like Florida and Hawaii, where the climate is conducive to its growth. |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened; considered invasive in some areas |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in the spring after the last frost; seeds can be sown directly into the ground in warmer climates |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Type: | Prefers well-drained soil but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor soils |
| Soil pH: | 5.6 to 7.8 (slightly acidic to alkaline) |
| Water Requirements: | Drought-tolerant once established; requires moderate watering until fully grown |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Low; too much fertilizer can decrease flowering. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune to encourage branching and to maintain desired shape and size |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; quickly reaches full size and starts flowering within months of planting |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other drought-tolerant plants and can be used to enhance butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | High; well-suited to xeriscaping and arid garden designs |
| Frost Tolerance: | Has low frost tolerance and is generally sensitive to cold temperatures. It can be damaged by temperatures below 32°F (0°C). In regions where temperatures drop below this, it is best grown as an annual or provided with protection such as frost cloths during cold snaps. |
| Heat Tolerance: | Excellent; thrives in hot conditions and can tolerate temperatures well above 90°F (32°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; can withstand some wind but may require support in very windy locations |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for planting in coastal areas with some protection from direct sea spray |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 9b-11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Insignificant; the plant is primarily grown for its flowers |
| Harvest Time: | Nothing to harvest but, the Mexican Sunflower is a good chop and drop plant to provide nutrients to your other plants. |
| Fruit Description: | N/A |
| Edible Plant: | No |
| Edible Parts: | None |
| Medicinal: | No significant medicinal uses reported |
| Flower Color: | Yellow |
| Flower Shape: | Large, daisy-like |
| Fragrance: | None |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late summer to fall |
| Bloom Duration: | Lasts several weeks |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and birds are attracted to the flowers for nectar and shelter |
| Pollinators: | Attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally resistant to pests; occasional issues with aphids and leaf miners. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, the plant is not toxic; it is safe around children and pets |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for wildlife and domestic animals |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Can occasionally suffer from fungal infections, especially in humid conditions |
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia Diversifolia)
Tithonia diversifolia, also known as Mexican Sunflower or Tree Marigold, is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and practicality to their landscape. This robust and vibrant plant not only offers a stunning visual display with its large, bright yellow to orange blooms but also brings several functional benefits that enhance the garden environment. Easy to care for and demanding minimal maintenance, Tithonia diversifolia is ideal for those who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
The radiant flowers of Tithonia diversifolia bloom generously from late summer into fall, providing a long-lasting source of vivid color that can revitalize any garden space. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this plant serves as a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity and supporting the health of the garden ecosystem. The presence of these pollinators not only aids in the pollination of your garden but also ensures a more productive vegetable or fruit garden.
Additionally, Tithonia diversifolia is valued for its use in "chop and drop" mulching practices, a permaculture technique where gardeners chop down plant material and drop it to decompose directly on the garden beds. This process helps enrich the soil as the plant material breaks down, providing nutrients and improving soil structure. Its fast growth and large biomass make it an excellent choice for this sustainable gardening method, contributing to soil health and moisture retention without the need for commercial fertilizers. Whether you're looking to enhance soil fertility, attract beneficial insects, or add color to your garden, Tithonia diversifolia offers a versatile solution for a sustainable and vibrant garden.
Companion Planting
If you live in Florida, here's a list of both Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants that are excellent for companion planting with the Mexican Sunflower, in planting zone 9. These selections are particularly good for creating diverse and sustainable landscapes.
Florida Native Plants
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 5-9
Benefits: Produces beautiful purple berries that attract birds and provide stunning visual interest.
Use: Effective in borders or as a standalone shrub in naturalistic garden settings.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Bright red-orange flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Use: Ideal for mixed borders or wildlife gardens.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Zone Range: 6-11
Benefits: Offers stunning fall color with its pink to purple inflorescences.
Use: Works well as a textural contrast in borders or as a mass planting for dramatic effect.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Provides excellent ground cover and habitat for wildlife.
Use: Suitable for use under larger trees or in open areas as a low-maintenance ground cover.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Zone Range: 4-9
Benefits: Red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and are visually striking.
Use: Perfect for trellises or fences, providing vertical interest.
Florida Friendly Plants
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Drought-tolerant and attracts a wide range of pollinators.
Use: Great for adding color and resilience to flower beds and borders.
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Star-shaped flowers are excellent for attracting butterflies.
Use: Ideal for sunny spots in mixed borders or as a bedding plant.
Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its vibrant blue flowers.
Use: Works well in informal borders and wildlife gardens.
Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella)
Zone Range: 8-10
Benefits: Offers long-lasting blooms that attract bees and butterflies.
Use: Perfect for sunny, dry areas where vibrant color is desired.
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
Zone Range: 4-9
Benefits: Native wildflower with bright, cheerful blooms that attract a variety of pollinators.
Use: Excellent in mass plantings or as part of a mixed perennial border.
These plants, when used as companions, not only support each other's growth but also contribute to a more vibrant, diverse, and ecologically sound garden.