Non-Edible Non-Native Plants

Tithonia rotundifolia
Red Sunflower / Tithonia / Tree Marigold / Mexican Marigold

Asteraceae family
Perennial in zone 10 and up; potted or annual elsewhere
Native to Mexico and Central America

A vigorous, drought tolerant, and showy plant found in fields, along roadsides, and in other disturbed areas, often at lower altitudes within its native range. Easy to grow in the ornamental garden. They grow 4 to 6+ feet tall with a large central stalk and a gangly, branching habit that is often troubled by storm damage, but bounces back easily. 

The flowers are attractive to a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and they can be used as cut flowers. They are often smothered in Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies! Deadheading spent flowers will prolong blooming. Grey-black flattened triangular seeds are easy to collect and grow in subsequent years.