Gaillardia aristata   blanketflower
           
Asteraceae (Alt: Compositae )
non-native                      herbaceous           
Distribution: Lucky Peak, Greenbelt

UW Burke Herbarium Link: Gaillardia aristata
USDA Plants Link: Gaillardia aristata   (GAAR)
Flora of North America Link: Gaillardia aristata


Although the Boise Front possibly lies within the extensive native range of blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), the few known occurrences (i.e., Spring Shores Marina, and near developments at the base of Bogus Basin road) most likely have resulted from intentional dispersal as a common component of “wildflower” seed mixes.  It is even possible that these are not even wild-type Gaillardia aristata, but instead one of the many cultivars and hybrids that are widely available as garden plants.  On the plus side, blanketflowers in genera are excellent additions to pollinator gardens, attracting numerous bees and other pollinators.