// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

American basket-flower

Plectocephalus americanus

American basket-flower (Plectocephalus americanus) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–10b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 13 U.S. states, including AR, AZ, IA, IL, KS, MO…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–10b
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

American basket-flower (Plectocephalus americanus) — *Plectocephalus americanus* — American basket-flower. Photo by NPS Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

American basket-flower (Plectocephalus americanus) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–10b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms May–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, american basket-flower pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Swamp verbena (Verbena hastata), Slim amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus), Powell's amaranth (Amaranthus powellii).