Psilostrophe

( SYE - lohst - roff )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Paper Flower, this genus of flowering perennials needs full sun and little or no water. The flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. They are short-lived perennials that form mounds of grey-green foliage dotted with yellow flowers in spring. 

Psilostrophe Species and Varietals

The Psilostrophe genus is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes 7 species. Paper Flower growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Psilostrophe cooperi (Whitestem Paper Flower, Cooper's Paper Daisy)
This species grows best in zones 7-12 and 18-21. Native to California, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and northern Mexico. Reaches 12-18 inches tall and two times as wide, with whiteish stems and leaves. These plants form perennial shrubs with a spreading habit and has has hairy foliage.

Psilostrophe tagetina (Marigold-Flowered Psilostrophe, Wooly Paperflower)
This species is best in zones 2b, 7-12 and 18-19. Native to Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico. Forms a 2 foot mound of green-grey foliage and yellow flowers. This is a self-sowing species. These plants were used in the traditional medicinal practices of various native populations in the mid-western United States.

Caring for Psilostrophe

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Psilostrophe
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 538, Psilostrophe
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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