Damianita Daisy

Chrysactinia mexicana

Light

Water

Low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Provide occasional supplemental irrigation during prolonged summer heat; avoid frequent shallow watering.

Size

1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Toxicity

Not Established

Description

A compact, aromatic desert shrub with fine, needlelike foliage and masses of small, golden-yellow daisies; well suited to Phoenix’s hot, dry climate.

Bloom Time

Spring and fall; may rebloom after summer monsoon rains.

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Deer / Rabbit Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate

Growth Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Mature Size

1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Flower Color

Yellow

Foliage Color

Dark green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Desert / Xeriscape, Groundcover

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Angelita daisy, Blackfoot daisy, Blue grama, Desert marigold, Parry's agave, Red yucca

Not Established

Not established — verify

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun for best flowering and compact growth; tolerates light afternoon shade.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Provide occasional supplemental irrigation during prolonged summer heat; avoid frequent shallow watering.

Soil: Very well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline soils. Avoid poorly drained clay and overly rich soil.

Mature size: 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.

Bloom: Heaviest flowering in spring and fall, with intermittent blooms during warmer months depending on moisture.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in Phoenix; severe cold or drought may temporarily thin foliage.

Growth rate: Moderate.