Nodding Bur Marigold

About Nodding Bur Marigold

Named for its charming, downward-tilting flower heads, Nodding Bur Marigold is a moisture-loving annual that adds a splash of bright yellow to the water's edge. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, this plant features lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers that 'nod' or tilt as they mature. It blooms from August to October, followed by seeds with barbed awns that catch on fur or clothing to aid dispersal. Found throughout much of North America, it is a common resident of muddy shores, swamps, and wet meadows. The flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, and butterflies, while the seeds provide a reliable food source for various waterfowl and songbirds. It also serves as a host plant for several moth species. Requires full sun and wet to medium-wet soils. It is particularly well-suited for the muddy margins of ponds, stream banks, or rain gardens where water occasionally stands. This resilient annual is a great choice for adding color and ecological value to difficult, saturated sites.