A common, very widespread prairie perennial - for full sun, and drought tolerant once established.
No, I guess I don't have any...which makes me wonder why the heck not!

Well, to clarify, I have cultivars ('Aurea', 'Burgundy', 'Goblin') but not the wild form - must correct that, LOL!

Thanks Lori, I was hoping it was perennial. Funny I have never noticed it before, I have been hunting wildflowers since I got an identification guide for Christmas when I was about 8. (Geek - LOL)

It was growing on a gravel ridge in sandy soil so I hope it does ok in my clay. OOOOh I have an idea... it's compact and likes drought - maybe I will plant one under the eaves at the south side.

It's not invasive is it?

Nope, they have taproots. An individual plant will expand a bit in size, but mainly, they spread around modestly by seed - no problem that I've seen.

Three different types of Gaillardia in my garden and 2 of them I divide regularly. I've never bothered amending the soil were the Gaillardia's are. They are growing really well in almost pure sand. This is probably my favourite cut flower. They bloom for so long... if I intend to divide the plant in the late fall I usually cut all the blooms back and keep them cut back from about the 1st week in August.

I have oodles of Gaillardia aristata, they thrive on neglect. Do very well in clay and they didn't get any watering from me this year. If any Canadian wants seeds, let me know, I have seed to no end.