Gaillardia, or "Blanket Flower," is a member of the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is a short-lived but abundantly self-seeding perennial, native to western and north-western North America. It is named for an 18th century French Magistrate, M. Gaillard de Charentonneau, a patron of botany.
The native gaillardia artistata blooms from June to August. StonehengeII and I first spotted these bright flowers blanketing the roadsides near Hafford, SK some years ago. I am always looking for perennials that can survive our highly variable Saskatchewan climate, and these tough plants seemed like a must for our garden! I have been growing a hybrid of these heat and drought tolerant plants in our flower beds since then. They bounce back after light frosts, are tolerant to disease and pests, and our gaillardias bloom from mid-June until the temperature dips below -5°C.
Update: In January 2019, the city track set a 1 km cross-country ski loop in Harold Tatler Park North.
Congratulations to Tackpee and Lil Tack for the FTF!