Heliomeris multiflora aka Showy Goldeneye

Heliomeris multiflora belongs to the daisy family and is a perennial. This means it lives for more than two years. Gardeners call it goldeneye or showy goldeneye. Its older name, Viguiera multiflora, means the same species. It is native to west-central and south-central North America. Its range runs from the United States south into Mexico. Records list Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico. They also list Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant grows upright to about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The sources do not state its width when fully grown. In the wild, it grows on dry, open ground. It grows in foothills and on mountains near the timberline. This is the edge beyond which trees stop growing. It also grows in pine, aspen, and spruce belts. These records show that it lives in varied mountain settings. Its upright shape suits garden beds and borders.

Its yellow flowers draw butterflies to the garden. Chicago Botanic Garden says it draws birds as well. Its bloom record runs from May through October. Plants For A Future lists a shorter season: July to August. The sources thus differ on how long it blooms. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers by moving pollen. The accounts give no details on the shape of fruit. They do not describe leaves, bark, or stems either.

Grow this plant in full sun, not shade. Plants For A Future says most soils suit it. These include sand, loam, and clay. It accepts slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil. That source says it prefers moist soil. The extracted Chicago record lists a moderate need for water. Chicago gives USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Plants For A Future warns it lacks hardiness in Britain. It suggests a spring-sown annual crop there instead. The accounts thus differ on how well it withstands cold.

To grow it from seed, sow in a greenhouse in spring. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. Plant outside after the last frost you expect. Plants For A Future says the seeds are edible. It gives no details on how to prepare them. It rates their food value as low. It lists no known uses in medicine or other uses. It lists no known hazards or weed potential. No source names specific pests or diseases.