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Elegant Zinnia

Zinnia violacea

Also listed as Zinnia elegans

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in disturbed areas, commonly cultivated. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

—
Not native

Not native to Louisiana. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
6 inches–3 feet
Spread
8–12 inches
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Dry to average
See native alternatives

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  • New Jersey Tea
    Ceanothus americanus

    Sun: 2–4 hours, 4–6 hours, Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

    Different: spread

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    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Cream, pink or white.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

  • Spotted Beebalm
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    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Dry to average. Flowers: Yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

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At a glance

Life cycle
Annual
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
May to November

Recorded in 1 Louisiana parish.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

9CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA

Genus host records with ranges including LA · Zinnia

  • Argyrotaenia velutinanaRed-Banded Leafroller Moth, Jack Pine Tube Moth
  • Chloridea virescensTobacco Budworm Moth
  • Chlorochlamys chloroleucariaBlackberry Looper Moth
  • Elophila obliteralisWaterlily Leafcutter Moth
  • Helicoverpa zeaCorn Earworm Moth
  • Homoeosoma electellaSunflower Moth
  • Papaipema nebrisStalk Borer
  • Spodoptera eridaniaSouthern Armyworm Moth
  • Spodoptera ornithogalliYellow-Striped Armyworm Moth, Cotton Cutworm
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness
Zones 2a–11b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Yellow, orange, pink, purple, red or white

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Zinnia violacea

Conservation status

Louisiana rankSNA
Global rankG5
LA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources