Even though it’s not officially summer yet, summer has arrived in Florida. Temperatures are warm, we’re starting to get afternoon showers, and the Indian blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) are starting to bloom. I discovered some of them in the median on one of our larger roads last week. They were growing among a bunch of tickseed flowers (Coreopsis leavenworthii) and it was a beautiful combination. Indian blanket flowers are also known as beach blanket flowers, firewheels, girasol rojo, and sundance flowers.

These colorful flowers are found in the southwestern United States east to Florida and south into northern Mexico. They prefer sandy, well drained soils and are drought and salt tolerant. They also prefer direct sunlight, so they are often found in meadows, on beaches, and in the deserts. They are also common along roadsides and in other disturbed areas. Many people also use Indian blanket as an ornamental flower in butterfly gardens and along borders. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and adult butterflies and are hosts to at least two types of butterfly larvae. In the fall, when they seed (their main means of reproduction), the seeds are eaten by many species of birds. The plant root also has several medicinal uses, especially when made into a tea.

Although they will continue to bloom throughout the summer if we get adequate rains, to me these flowers are always a sign that summer has arrived. Not only do they start blooming at the beginning of summer, but their bright, cheery colors definitely give off a summer vibe. I remember seeing them along the roads and in the playground at our elementary school when I was a kid growing up in the desert southwest. I didn’t know their name then, but their colors did make an impression on me, so seeing them in Florida is sort of like seeing an old friend.