Smelling like chocolate, Berlandiera lyrata (Chocolate Daisy) is a showy perennial wildflower boasting daisy-like flower heads, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with yellow rays surrounding a dramatic maroon central disk and green cup-like bracts. Blooming over an incredibly long season extending from late spring to fall (year-round in warm weather), the flowers provide continuous color in the garden and fill the air with their wonderful scent of cocoa. Borne atop leafless stalks, they open in the morning and droop in the heat of the day. Rich in nectar, the flowers attract many pollinators. They give way to cup-like seedheads which are also attractive. The flowers are edible and can be used for seasoning. Chocolate Daisy forms a velvety mound of coarse, gray-green scalloped leaves, each segment resembling a lyre. Native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico, Berlandiera lyrata is easy to grow, tough, heat and drought-tolerant and requires little care. A desirable little plant to be used in rock gardens, borders, or along walkways where its chocolate scent can be enjoyed.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall and wide (30-60 cm). Reseeds in optimum growing conditions.
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Prefers sandy soils and tolerates light shade. In rich soil with extra water, the plant will produce more flowers but may flop over.
• Easy-care plant with no serious pest or disease issues. Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
• A wonderful addition to the garden, this enthusiastic bloomer is well suited to beds and borders, rock gardens, prairies, and meadows.
• Deadhead to promote more blooms.
• Easy to grow from seed. Seeds germinate well outdoors from spring through fall.
• Native to Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.