Blanketflower
Gallardia aristata

Indian Blanket/Firewheel
Gallardia pulchella

Location
Wildflower garden

Description
Both species of Gallardia are found throughout U.S.: blooming between July and September (G. aristata) or May through August (G. pulchella).
G. aristata is an erect perennial 2-4 ft. plant, with clasping, dandelion-like leaves. The inch-long petals have yellow, 3-toothed tips and dark red bases. These surround disk flowers that are the same color as the base of the petals (Wildflower 2009).
G. pulchella is an annual that grows to 1-2 feet tall with a hairy stem that is usually multi-branched and leafy near the base, having showy flower heads with rays red at base, tipped with yellow, each with 3 teeth at broad end. The flower heads are 1-2 in. across with a red center and a yellow outer band (Wildflower 2009).

History
Native to central U.S.

References
Wildflower Center of UT of Austin. http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ (Accessed on July 1, 2009) Search term: Gallardia aristata, Gaillardia pulchella.