Tetraneuris acaulis [tet-ruh-NYUR-iss] [a-KAW-liss] is a flowering plant in the sunflower or composite family.
It’s found throughout North America and parts of northern Mexico growing in prairies, foothills, and plains.
Several varieties exist with different characteristics, making it a highly variable plant.
The plant also has many common names:
- Angelita daisy
- Butte marigold
- Stemless hymenoxys
- Stemless rubberweed
- Stemless four-nerve daisy
The stemless varieties feature short stems and the blooms hide the tiny stems, making the plant appear stemless.
Tetraneuris Acaulis Care
Size and Growth
Some varieties of Angelita daisy only reach 2″ to 3″ inches tall while others grow up to 2′ feet tall.
The erect stems are green and contain basal leaves and the mound of leaves can grow to several inches in length.
The plant eventually achieves a spread of about 12″ to 18″ inches.
At the end of the season, the foliage dies back.
New growth appears the following spring.
Flowering and Fragrance
Hairy green flower stalks appear in the spring, followed by large flower heads.
The daisy-like flowers are large, measuring up 3″ or 4″ inches wide.
The flower heads contain 8 to 21 ray florets, each measuring just under 1″ inch long.
The center contains close to 200 disc florets.
The ray and disc florets are bright yellow, helping to brighten any garden or windowsill.
Light and Temperature
While the plant tolerates partial shade, try to place it in an area with full sun.
Full sun brings out the most color in the leaves.
Angelita daisy is a hardy plant, suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
It grows outdoors throughout most of North America, except for regions receiving extreme heat.
If temperatures regularly exceed 90° degrees Fahrenheit (32° C) during the summer, the plant may start to wilt.
Watering and Feeding
Angelita daisy doesn’t require lots of maintenance.
After the flowers appear, it may only need water during a period of drought or extreme weather.
The soil should dry completely between watering.
If the area receives occasional or frequent rainfall, it may not need watering at all.
Tetraneuris acaulis tends to thrive when neglected.
If the flowers start to sag prematurely, it may need a little more water.
Otherwise, leave it alone.
Fertilizer isn’t needed but may promote healthier brighter blooms. Use a liquid fertilizer diluted to about half strength.
Spray the fertilizer when watering the plant.
Soil and Transplanting
- Angelita daisy tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor, clay soil.
- It grows best in slightly dry, rocky soil.
- The soil should provide good drainage.
- If the soil remains moist several days after watering or rainfall, it may develop fungal growth.
- Improve poor drainage with additional sand or gravel.
- The plant doesn’t transplant easily, as moving it may damage the roots.
- Only transplant if necessary.
- Transplant in the spring and ensure the plant receives fertilizer throughout the rest of the growing season.
Grooming
Tetraneuris acaulis doesn’t require grooming, but it benefits from deadheading.
Prune the dying flowers to allow lower flowers to grow.
How to Propagate Angelita Daisy
Propagate with seed obtained from the dried flower heads.
Wait for the flowers to start wilting.
Wrap a small plastic bag around the flower and secure it with a rubber band.
After the flower dries, gently rub the flower head to remove the seeds.
- Sow the seeds in the garden after the last danger of frost.
- It’s possible to start the seeds in starter trays before spring arrives.
- Place the seed trays near a window with bright light throughout the day.
- Keep the soil moist.
- After the seedlings appear, allow them to thicken for one or two weeks before transplanting outdoors or to a container.
Propagating from cuttings doesn’t provide consistent results.
- To try using cuttings, cut a stem from a healthy plant.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the stem in soil and water thoroughly.
- Keep the soil slightly moist and ensure the cutting receives lots of light.
- If successful, it may take root within several weeks and start producing new growth.
Angelita Daisy Pest or Disease Problems
The plant isn’t toxic or invasive. It is rarely affected by diseases.
It’s a hardy little plant, but the typical garden pests may appear.
Whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and other critters can damage the leaves and eventually kill the plant.
Remove them with strong blasts of water. Use caution to avoid overwatering.
Insecticidal soap or Neem oil is also useful for removing pests.
Spray the leaves and foliage at least once per week with insecticidal soap to stop infestations.
While it’s mostly disease-free, Angelita daisy may suffer from root rot if given too much water or grown in moist conditions.
Limit watering or consider transplanting to an area with soil offering good drainage.
Suggested Tetraneuris Acaulis Uses
These plants grow well in masses, making them suitable for ground cover.
Use Angelita daisy to create a blanket of bright yellow flowers in the garden.
The stemless varieties work well along borders.