One of my favorite Texas wildflowers has an unfortunate common name: Cowpen Daisy, which probably makes some people envision feed lots and cow patties, and clouds of buzzing flies. When in truth, Verbesina enceliodes or Golden Crownbeard got the unattractive moniker because it grows in disturbed soils found in pastures and prairies. It is common here on the Edward's Plateau. It's the perfect plant for this area: easy to grow, heat and drought tolerant, long blooming, great nectar source for bees and butterflies, and larval host for Bordered Patch, Silvery Checkerspot and Gold Moth (although I've never seen those last two). Sources claim the plant was used by Indians and early settlers to treat spider bites. I have no way to confirm that. Another source called Cowpen Daisy an "intruder". Granted, it does produce a lot of seed and tends to self-sow; my neighbor might agree with that description as I've noticed some of mine have jumped the fence and are happily thriving in his back pasture. Hopefully he'll like them. Another research article stated that Cowpen Daisies are resistant to grazing because they contain the chemical galegine, which is poisonous to animals like sheep and goats. Maybe so, but it doesn't keep the deer from nibbling on mine. But then, deer will eat just about anything.
