Gaillardia aristata

Blanketflower is a perennial herb reaching maximum heights of anywhere between 20 and 80 cm (7.9 and 31.5 in). The plant forms a slender taproot and one or a few stems. Leaves typically extend about halfway up each stem, but can be solely basal. Leaves are obolanceolate to lanceolate, 5 to 15 cm (2.0 to 5.9 inches) long, and sparsely to densely hairy. Leaf margins can be lobed, toothed, or entire. The involucre of Gaillardia aristata, which ranges from 10 to 20 mm (0.39 to 0.79 in) tall, is much larger than that of other species in the genus. Phyllaries on the involucre are 9 to 11 mm (0.35 to 0.43 in) long, ovate, and bristled. G. aristata typically flowers between July and August. Plants may also flower a second time between September and November. Each flower head contains two types of floret: ray and disc. Ray florets make up the margin of the flower head, and anywhere between 6 and 33 florets have been observed (though flowers generally produce between 12 and 18 florets). Ray flowers are typically flat, 3 lobed, and yellow, but can also be tubular with five lobes and/or partially purple. Ray flowers are between 10 and 35 mm (0.39 and 1.38 in) long. Between 60 and 120 fertile disc florets occupy the center of the flower head. These 7 to 9 mm (0.28 to 0.35 in) corollas are densely hairy and are often maroon, though they can be yellow-tipped. The fruit is a stout, hairy achene which may be over 10 mm (0.4 in) long including the long, spiky pappus. These seeds are the sole method of reproduction in G. aristata and are dispersed by gravity or potentially animal fur.

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Some Plateau Indian tribes used blanketflower to treat wounds and settle fevers. Okanagan and Colville peoples used blanketflower to treat backaches, kidney problems, and venereal disease, while Nlaka'pamux people used it for headaches, mumps, and tuberculosis. Blackfeet people used G. aristata to treat gastroenteritis, sunstroke, and skin disorders. The plant was also used to treat horse saddle sores and to make rawhide waterproof.

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Blanketflower is a fire-dependent, early- to mid-successional species. In addition to fire, it is tolerant of grazing and mechanical disturbance. Blanketflower leaves and flowers are eaten by domestic sheep, and may be part of the diets of bighorn sheep, mule deer, desert cottontail, and Richardson's ground squirrel. Gaillardia aristata is mainly pollinated by bees, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees. Butterflies, wasps, and the soft-winged flower beetle also serve as pollinators, and feed on the plant's nectar. G. aristata is the host plant of Schinia masoni, a species of flowermoth. S. masoni is maroon and yellow, allowing it to blend into G. aristata flowers when feeding and resting. S. masoni lays its eggs between disc flowers, and blanketflower seeds are eaten by larvae. Seeds are also eaten by deer mice.

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