Dimorphotheca sinuata aka African Daisy

Dimorphotheca sinuata is an annual in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Common names include Cape marigold and Namaqualand daisy. Its native range runs from Namibia to South Africa’s Cape region. It grows upright but can sprawl into low groundcover. Plants reach about 0.33–1 foot [0.10–0.30 metres] tall. Growth proceeds at a moderate rate. It has escaped gardens in California and Arizona.

The reddish stems bear a few fine hairs. They may grow without branches or form a few branches. Light green leaves grow alternately and attach without stalks. Each leaf is narrow, with an oblong or oblanceolate shape. Leaves reach 0.25 feet [0.076 metres] long. Their edges may have shallow lobes, waves, or coarse teeth. Sparse hairs also cover the leaves.

Flowers appear from spring through fall, one head per stem tip. Each head has yellow or orange ray and disc florets. A greenish-purple ring marks the base of the rays. Most heads span 0.17–0.21 feet [0.051–0.064 metres]. Some reach 0.25 feet [0.076 metres] across. Each head has 15–25 ray florets. The blooms face the sun and close at night. Cloudy weather also makes them close. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. The pale brown fruits are achenes of two forms. Ray florets produce wingless fruits; disc florets produce papery-winged fruits. Seeds develop soon after the blooms fade.

Grow this plant in full sun and freely draining soil. Sandy soil suits it, though the source also lists loam. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Established plants tolerate drought and suit dry garden sites. NC State lists USDA zones 2–11 for this annual. That range does not establish winter survival as a perennial. Removing spent flowers helps sustain bloom. Plants grow from seed and can reseed into colonies.

Cape marigold suits rock gardens, borders, containers, and small spaces. It also fits cottage gardens and plantings for pollinators. Its low growth can provide a seasonal groundcover. The flowers close indoors, which limits their use for cutting. NC State reports no major insect or disease problems. Its ability to spread can cause trouble outside gardens. California and Australia treat it as a weed. The Dominican Republic lists it as invasive. The supplied evidence gives no food use or toxicity assessment. NC State records no known medicinal use.