Borrichia frutescens (Sea Ox-Eye)

Borrichia frutescens (Sea Ox-Eye) is a shrub-like, semi-evergreen perennial with ascending branches clad with fleshy, oval, gray-green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), pubescent on both sides. Blooming year-round in warm winter areas, attractive daisy-like flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with 15-30 yellow rays and a yellow-orange center disc are borne above the foliage. The blossoms are very attractive to a variety of butterflies and other pollinators. They give way to small, inconspicuous, four-sided achenes, which provide food for birds and other small wildlife. Sea Ox-Eye occurs naturally in coastal strands, mangroves, beach dunes, salt marshes, and tidal flats. Colony-forming, it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. It can be used effectively as a border or foundation plant, in a mixed wildflower garden, or as a ground cover.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in sandy or loamy, moist to very dry, well-drained soils in full sun. This plant is highly drought and salt tolerant and can withstand occasional saltwater flooding.
• Great as a ground cover, border or foundation plant, flowering hedge, in mass plantings, or butterfly gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagated from seeds or cuttings.
• Native to the United States and Mexico, where it occurs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.