What’s Blooming Now?
By Richard Cretcher

The hardy mal de ojo (Peruvian Zinnia) is not only blooming now, but has been for months and will continue until the cold weather comes. This beautiful little red bloom, considered an antique species, was discovered in Mexico and taken to Europe by the Spaniards in the 1500s.

Although it was not very popular in the early US, records show that Thomas Jefferson had it in his garden at Monticello. Hybrids of the zinnia are producing large multi-petaled versions in many colors, now very popular in many countries. The origin of the Mexican/Spanish name is in some question. In this area it is sometimes said to mean evil eye, but some have suggested that it comes from eye irritation caused by touching the plant, then the eye. The evil eye concept in folklore of Mexico, as in many other countries, has to do with a curse or jinx being place on people or possessions by an envious person. It is difficult to imagine why this concept would be applied to this flower.

Cinco llagas, pictured here, is the Mexican/Spanish common name for a marigold with a unique bloom. The points in the five petals have come to symbolize the five wounds of Christ.

These plants, like many other species of marigolds, have an insecticidal effect and are planted along side tomatoes to keep the crop free of harmful insects. And substances in the whole plant are toxic to cockroaches. A yellow dye obtained from the flower is used to color foods and textiles.

Other wild flowers blooming now include mirasol, girasol, zapatle and aceitilla.

Richard Cretcher has published the wild flower pocket guide Flores Silvestres and will be conducting another wild flower walk for the benefit of El Charco September 19. For more information or to reserve a space, contact nzerriffi@yahoo.com