Another name for chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata) is lyreleaf greeneyes. It’s named that because its leaves are curved, bringing the shape of a lyre to mind for some, and because the emerald center of the flower could be said to resemble an eye. You can eat the stamens (the flower’s reproductive organ where the pollen is manufactured), and they taste like chocolate.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Berlandiera lyrata, with the common names chocolate flower, chocolate daisy, or lyreleaf greeneyes, is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. The common name lyreleaf greeneyes is a reference to the shape of the leaf, which is curved like a lyre and the green disc which is left behind when the ray florets drop off which is thought to look like an eye.
The plant grows to about 30–60 centimeters (1–2 feet) in height and width, less commonly 120 cm (4 ft). When the plant freezes, the roots will preserve its life. The velvety leaves are pinnately lobed or scalloped. The flower head is approximately 4 cm (1+1⁄2 inches) in diameter, with 5–12 (most commonly 8) yellow ray florets, which are 1.5 cm (5⁄8 in) long. In areas that freeze, the flowers bloom at night from spring until frost.
In frost-free areas, it will bloom year-round (typically April to October). Around mid-morning, the flowers close or drop. As it gets hotter, the flower begins to turn white and the ray florets begin to drop, leaving the green disc shape. The seed-like fruit is scaleless and hairless at the tip.
In the United States, the species is native to Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas. In Mexico, it is native to Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Durango, Sonora, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes and Jalisco. It prefers the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zones of 4 to 9, and can be grown in elevations as high as 2,100 m (7,000 ft). It can usually be found in grassy areas and rocky soil.
B. lyrata is a hardy perennial, cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is grown in gardens for the chocolate-like scent of its flowers. The chocolate odor can also be produced by plucking the ray florets from the flower head. To ensure that it will continue to bloom as long as possible, spent flowers should be removed.
It grows best in full sun locations. It is native to soil types that are dry, shallow and rocky such as sandy loams and limestone soils. It is known to grow along roadsides and in grasslands in the southwest US. It is drought-tolerant. In heavy, wet soils, B. lyrata is subject to root rot. B. lyrata can be planted in areas that are mowed frequently and can be mowed itself.
The plant is propagated through seeds which can be collected from the plant itself and germinated outdoors from spring to fall.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Chocolate Flower can be grown in full to part sun location. Plant it near the deck or other seating area to fully enjoy the fragrance. It is as tough as it is desirable. When the hot, dry days of summer cause many garden beauties to hang their pretty heads, the plant keeps up a continuous show of its bright yellow flowers with the rich scent of chocolate.
Temperature
Berlandiera lyrata is hardy from zones 4 to 9 and grows in elevations as high as 7000 feet. It can be tolerant of all but the highest summer heat, will freeze to ground in coldest climates and come back from its roots..
Watering
The plants tolerate a wide range of conditions but will stay more compact when allowed to dry out between waterings. Keep regularly watered for the first growing season to establish the roots. Infrequent but deep watering thereafter. The drier the setting, the more compact the plant. Additional water can result in leggy plants. It is drought tolerant, but best if watered once or twice a month in part shade, weekly in full sun.
Soil
Another benefit of growing these daisies is that they can be planted in a variety of soil types. They are native to dry sandy loams and rocky limestone soils, making them great for rock gardens and areas with dry soil. They actually prefer what is usually considered to be poor-quality soil and struggle with rich soil that has been amended.
The only caveat is that they must be planted in well-drained soils. As mentioned above, wet soils can cause this plant to become leggy and flop over. Because of its drought-tolerant nature, they prefer dry soil with very little water. Since this plant prefers rocky soils over wet soils you can mulch around your daisies with gravel or small rocks to encourage reseeding.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, chocolate flower benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formula applied every 6-8 weeks during active growth. Fertilization encourages robust foliage and vibrant blooms. Use approximately 1 tablespoon per square foot to prevent nutrient burn. Adjust fertilizing schedules in response to seasonal changes, with less frequent application in winter. When fertilizing, water chocolate flowers thoroughly to distribute nutrients evenly and avoid root concentration. Always follow the label’s dosage instructions to ensure chocolate flower’s health and vitality.
Pruning
This plant can benefit from regular pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage even more flowers. Simply remove the flower head at its base. At the end of the season, the green cup-like bracts will be full of seeds. They can be left standing in the garden to provide birds with seed throughout the winter.
In the very early spring or late winter, the plant can be cut back to within 6 inches of the ground, before late spring growth appears. In mild climates and frost-free areas, the flowers will continue blooming year-round and will only require deadheading.
Propagation
As mentioned above as the flowers fade the petals close and they will be replaced by green cup-like bracts. This green eye is why these flowers are sometimes referred to as lyre leaf green eyes or green eyes lyre leaf. This green disc shape will eventually be filled with seeds.
At the end of the season, the cup-like seedheads can be easily collected if you’d like to encourage even more flowers to grow next season, or you can allow them to bloom year-round in milder climates. Propagation via seed is the best method for this daisy plant. These seeds do not require cold stratification, however, it has been said to increase their germination rate.
They can be started indoors, but do not like being transplanted so it’s best to sow them at the planting site, directly in the garden. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface and cover them with a light dusting of soil. Keep it evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
Transplanting
The prime moving period for chocolate flower falls in late spring to early summer (S1-S3), optimal due to the plant’s active growth phase. Location-wise, a sunny or partially shaded area with loose, fertile soil is ideal. Remember, chocolate flower appreciates careful handling to protect its delicate root system.
Pests and Diseases
- Growing Problems
These blooms are relatively trouble-free, however, the most important thing to keep in mind is meeting the water requirements. In its native habitat in North America, it is very drought tolerant once established. For this reason, it does not tolerate overly moist soils and can grow tall, spindly, and leggy when it receives too much water.
Of course, you can’t control the weather outside so a good countermeasure is to ensure it’s planted in an area with well-drained soil to avoid standing water or overly wet conditions. If your daisy plants begin to grow leggy they can be pruned back to encourage bushier growth. To avoid overwatering, let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings.
- Common Pests
These daisy plants have no known pest issues! Another win for this amazingly easy-to-grow native pollinator plant!
- Common Diseases
Root rot is the main disease that can affect your daisy plants. The symptoms of root rot will appear as a soft mushy stem, wilting, and of course rotten roots. This type of rot is harder to recover from but can be remedied if there are still fresh, white roots on the plant that have not yet turned to mush.
Reduce the frequency of watering your plants, and let the garden soil dry completely before watering again. A good preventative measure to avoid root rot is by placing it in a very well-drained location.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
The Chocolate daisy is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, flower beds, and borders for its fragrant, colorful flowers and drought tolerance. Its nectar-rich blooms attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
A wonderful addition to the garden, this enthusiastic bloomer is well suited to beds and borders, rock gardens, prairies, and meadows.
- Medicinal uses
The plant was also used by Native Americans to alleviate symptoms of stomach problems. Some Native American cultures would burn the dried roots of the plant in order to treat nervous conditions or to inspire courage.
- Culinary uses
The stamens have a chocolate flavor and are edible.
