Arctotheca calendula: Cape Weed – Silvery Foliage and Yellow Daisies

Arctotheca calendula – African Calendula, Cape Weed, Cape Daisy

Arctotheca calendula (syn. Arctotis calendula), known as Cape Weed or Cape Daisy, is a low, rosette-forming perennial (often grown as an annual) from South Africa. It has lobed, silvery-gray, felted leaves. From spring to fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with a dark center on short stems. It spreads by stolons to form a mat.

Cape Weed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and handles poor soil. In some Mediterranean climates, it has naturalized and become a weed. In gardens, it provides quick, silvery ground cover and cheerful flowers. The foliage is attractive even out of bloom. A tough, fast-covering plant for hot, dry sites.

Plant Profile