[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.

Zinnias may be white, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac.

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.