Zinnia
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
Category: plant
Brief Description
A vibrant garden flower featuring daisy-like or pom-pom flower heads in a wide array of bright colors, born on upright stems.
Characteristics
Stiff, upright stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves that are rough to the touch. Flower heads range from single rows of petals to dense, multi-layered blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple with contrasting central disks.
Habitat
Cultivated gardens, pots, and containers; thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
When to Find It
Blooms from mid-summer through the first autumn frosts.
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
Excellent nectar source for pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Easily Confused With
Marigolds and Dahlias, which can be distinguished by differences in foliage and petal arrangement.
Observation Tips
Plant in areas receiving full sunlight and water at the base to prevent powdery mildew on the leaves.
Interesting Facts
Zinnias were the first flowers to be grown on the International Space Station in 2016.