TEXAS WILDFLOWER GALLERY
Firewheel
Another name is Indian Blanket
Firewheels are in legends
Firewheels are plentiful in Mexico
They are decorative at festivals
FIREWHEEL
Gaillardia Pulchella
About
Also called an Indian Blanket flower, the Firewheel is hardy and drought tolerant. It is easily started from seed and cultivated for use in sand dune reclamation. It is commonly seen in gardens. The Firewheel provides colorful blooms for flower arrangement, lasting a week when cut.
It is a popular flower, associated with Mexican and Native American legends. An Aztec story says that it was all yellow until its center was turned red from the blood of warriors. In a Native American story the flower protected an Indian maiden from freezing when she wove it into a blanket.