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Zinnia

Zinnia is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae, with about 22 species.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zinnia is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae, comprising about 22 species. Native primarily to North and South America, especially Mexico, zinnias are widely grown as ornamental garden flowers for their bright, long-lasting blooms.

Taxonomy and naming

Zinnia is a genus in the Asteraceae family. The genus name honours Johann Gottfried Zinn, an 18th-century German botanist.

Distribution and habitat

Zinnias are native primarily to North and South America, with greatest diversity in Mexico. They occur in dry grassland and scrub habitats and are perennial in their native range but annual in many gardens.

Horticultural use

Zinnias are popular ornamental plants because they bloom freely, tolerate heat and sun, and produce flowers in many colours and forms. Modern garden varieties were developed from a small number of species, especially Zinnia elegans.

Flower characteristics

Zinnia flower heads are solitary and borne at branch ends. Cultivars range from small dwarf plants to tall forms with single, double, cactus-style, and pompom-like blooms.

Key facts

  • Zinnia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.
  • The genus includes about 22 species of herbs and shrubs.
  • Zinnias are native mainly to North America, with Mexico as a centre of diversity.
  • Most garden zinnias are grown for their brightly coloured, showy flower heads.
  • Zinnias are generally annuals in cultivation, though they are perennial in their native range.
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Canadian context

Zinnias are widely grown in Canadian gardens as warm-season annuals and are valued for summer colour in beds, borders, and pollinator plantings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a zinnia?
A zinnia is a flowering plant genus in the daisy family, known for bright ornamental blooms.
Where do zinnias come from?
Zinnias are native primarily to North and South America, especially Mexico.
Are zinnias annuals or perennials?
They are perennial in their native range, but are usually grown as annuals in gardens.
Why are zinnias popular in gardens?
They are valued for their long bloom period, bright colours, and tolerance of sun and heat.
What plant family do zinnias belong to?
Zinnias belong to the family Asteraceae, also called the daisy family.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/zinnia
    Supports: Genus placement, approximate species count, native range, and growth habit
  2. Chicago Botanic Garden — https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-profiles/zinnia
    Supports: Origin, garden history, cultivars, flower colours and forms
  3. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/zinnia/
    Supports: Annual growth habit in cultivation, family, native range, and naming origin
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/zinnia/341109
    Supports: Family, native range, perennial in native range, flower and size characteristics