[3][4] They are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico.

Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed 12 petal flowers that come in a variety of bright colors.

[5] Zinnias are easy to grow with potential heavy, brightly colored blooms.

Zinnias are an annual plant usually grown in situ from seed, as they dislike being transplanted.

It has a low bushy plant habit, linear foliage, and more delicate flowers than Z. elegans – usually single, and in shades of yellow, orange or white.

[12] A number of species of zinnia are popular flowering plants, and interspecific hybrids are becoming more common.

[6]: 344-  Their varied habits allow for uses in several parts of a garden, and their tendency to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is seen as desirable.

[citation needed] Some zinnias are edible, though often reported to have a bitter taste best suited to garnish.