Mexican creeping-zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens, J. Hist. Nat. 2: 178 (1792))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: J. Hist. Nat. 2: 178 (1792)

Year: 1792

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sanvitalia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Guatemala

Description

The Mexican creeping-zinnia, scientifically known as Sanvitalia procumbens, is a charming and versatile plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This delightful plant is renowned for its bright and cheerful appearance, making it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts and landscapers alike.

Native to regions stretching from Mexico to Guatemala, the Mexican creeping-zinnia thrives in warm climates and can often be found adorning gardens and landscapes in these areas. The plant was first described in detail in the “J. Hist. Nat.” in 1792 by the botanist Lam., highlighting its botanical significance and long-standing presence in horticultural history.

Sanvitalia procumbens is characterized by its sprawling, prostrate growth habit, which makes it an excellent ground cover option. The plant produces an abundance of small, daisy-like flowers that bring a splash of color to any garden setting. The vibrant yellow or orange blooms, coupled with their dark centers, create a striking contrast against the lush green foliage, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens, borders, and hanging baskets.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Mexican creeping-zinnia is also valued for its hardiness and adaptability. It can tolerate a variety of soil types and conditions, provided it receives ample sunlight. This resilience makes it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with minimal effort.

Overall, the Mexican creeping-zinnia, or Sanvitalia procumbens, stands out as a delightful plant that combines beauty, durability, and versatility. Its rich history and vibrant blooms ensure it remains a beloved choice for adding a touch of brightness and vitality to gardens and landscapes.

Common Names

Deu: husarenknopf, husarenknöpfchen, mexikanisches goldrandblümchen
Por: lavanda-algodão, margaridinha, santolina
Eng: mexican creeping zinnia, mexican creeping-zinnia, creeping-zinnia, creeping zinnia
Dan: solknap
Swe: husarknappar
Nld: huzarenknoop
Nob: krypsolknapp
Nno: krypsolknapp
En: Mexican creeping-zinnia, Creeping-zinnia, Mexican creeping zinnia, Creeping zinnia
Zh: 蛇目菊
Da: Solknap
Nl: Huzarenknoop
De: Husarenknopf, Husarenknöpfchen, Mexikanisches Goldrandblümchen
Nb: Krypsolknapp
Nn: Krypsolknapp
Pt: Lavanda-algodão, Margaridinha, Santolina
Ru: Санвиталия распростертая
Sv: Husarknappar, Husarknapp
Zh-tw: 匍匐蛇目菊
Zh-hant: 蛇目菊

Synonyms

• Laurentia atropurpurea (Steud.)
• Sanvitalia acinifolia (DC.)
• Sanvitalia procumbens var. oblongifolia (DC.)
• Sanvitalia villosa (Cav.)
• Lorentea atropurpurea (Ortega)
• Zexmenia thysanocarpa (Donn.Sm.)

Distribution

• Guatemala (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by B. Igor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Wolfgang Klesper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Théo Richoux (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Jana Vovk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Roland Scherzer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Albirdy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by DCC (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Patricia Pesca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2020 by guillaume martin (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3104106)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:242036-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sanvitalia procumbens Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth