Melampodium is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family. These are rugged plants native to the tropical to subtropical regions that include Central America, Southwestern United States, California, Florida, the Caribbean, and South America. Most of the species can be found in Mexico, five in the Southwestern United States, and three are scattered in Colombia and Brazil. The foliage varies from bright green to grey-green. The opposite leaves are narrow and about 2–5 cm long. Note: Melampodium has been labelled Sanvitalia speciosa in the horticultural trade, but this is an invalid name.