Sunflower Trees Bloom

ABOVE: The Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray are in full bloom. These are more commonly known as Tree Marigolds or Sunflower Trees. In late summer I planted a hedge of these invasive plants the length of two sides of the property (about 400 - feet of hedge) hoping to have a yellow-flowering hedge in winter. This species doesn't begin to flower until October in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unfortunately the Tithonia is only blooming from old-growth terminal stems. . . that is those stems that are a few months old. I refuse to let it get untidy so I've been chopping it all down even with the top rail of the fence. So much for that idea of a blooming hedge. I have several clumps of this plant that I pruned all summer into egg-shaped hedges. Those hedges stand about 12 - 15 feet today and are starting to bloom from the terminal branches.

ORIGIN: Tithonia was named for Tithonus, a legendary Trojan loved by the dawn goddess Eos, who turned him into a grasshopper. Tithonia diversifolia is a perennial native of Mexico and Central America and is cultivated for its flowers and enormous size (12-feet and taller). The plant's flowers are a favorite of bees and African farmers have many uses for the plant, the most popular use being as an organic fertilizer for vegetable crops in either compost or a tea form.

BELOW: A vulture (Cathartes aura) watches as I prune the hedge. He is a little intimidating. . . with a wingspan of 6-feet or more.