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Plateau Goldeneye

Scientific nameMayan nameEspañolEnglish
Viguiera dentataTajChimalacatePlateau Goldeneye

Plateau Goldeneye flowers

Plant​

A bushy, multi-branched plant that typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall. It grows shorter and more compact in full sun but can become tall and "leggy" in partial shade. It is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, rocky, or calcareous soils.

Plateau Goldeneye flowers Plateau Goldeneye flowers

Leaves​

Its leaves are triangular to lance-shaped with a sandpaper-like, hairy texture and distinct serrated (toothed) edges. During the Mayan festival of Ch'a Cha'ak, the leaves are used to cover tamales.

Plateau Goldeneye leaves

Flowers​

Bright yellow, daisy-like heads approximately 1.5 inches wide. They bloom profusely from June through October, appearing at the ends of long, slender stalks. The flowers are a major nectar source for bees and butterflies, including the Cassius Blue and Bordered Patch butterflies.

Plateau Goldeneye flowers Plateau Goldeneye flowers

Fruit​

A small, dry, one-seeded fruit called a cypsela, which is often topped with a pappus (bristles or scales) to aid in wind dispersal.

Plateau Goldeneye fruit

Medicine!​

Infusions of the aerial parts are used to treat baby rash. Scientific studies have identified compounds in the plant with antifungal and antibacterial properties. The flowers are renowned for attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and producing high quality honey.