How Do Blanket Flowers Pollinate?

Large, often bi-colored daisy flowers characterize blanket flowers.

Blanket flower is the common name for species of Gaillardia, especially the hybrid type, Gaillardia x grandiflora. These short-lived perennials are members of the Compositae or daisy family and are pollinated by bees and butterflies.

Characteristics

The most prominent characteristic of the blanket flower is the large, showy daisies. These have a yellow or sometimes red central disk, surrounded by bi-colored yellowrays or petals in shades of red. The plants have basal or sometimes, alternate leaves that may be toothed.

Pollination

The color and configuration of the blanket flower assist butterflies in pollination. Butterflies are attracted to bright colors like those of the bi-colored flowers. They also need space to perch while feeding and pollinating. The large flowers provide that space.

Fun Facts

The modern garden Gaillardia x grandiflora is a hybrid between the tall perennial, Gaillardia aristata, and its shorter annual relative, Gaillardia pulchella. The many colors and sizes developed include dwarf forms and double-flowered varieties.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Kemper Center For Home Gardening: Gaillardia x grandiflora
• University of Hamburg (Germany): Pollination Adaptations
• "The Botanical Garden, V II"; Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix; 2002