Chaenactis fremontii

Chaenactis fremontii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Heliantheae
Genus: Chaenactis
Species: C. fremontii
Binomial name
Chaenactis fremontii
A.Gray

Chaenactis fremontii, with the common names Fremont's pincushion and Desert pincushion, is a species of annual wildflower in the daisy family. Both the latter common name, and the specific epithet are chosen in honor of John C. Frémont.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Chaenactis fremontii is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Baja California. It grows in sandy and gravelly soils in the deserts and low mountains, such as the Mojave Desert in California and the Sonoran Desert habitats.[2] It is found in California, Baja California, Arizona, Nevada, and southern Utah.[3][4]

Description

Chaenactis fremontii grows in patches of long stems which are green when new and grow reddish with age. They may branch to extend many tall, almost naked stems. The sparse leaves are somewhat fleshy and long and pointed. Atop each erect stem is an inflorescence bearing usually one but sometimes more flower heads, each with plentiful densely packed disc florets. There may be very large ray florets around the edge of the discoid head. The flowers are white or very light pink.[5][6]

Fremont's pincushion and Malacothrix glabrata - Desert Dandelions, Joshua Tree National Park, California. (30 March 2005)

References

  1. ↑ Michael L. Charters. "Botanical Names: F". California Plant Names: Latin and Greek Meanings and Derivations. Sierra Madre, CA. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
  2. ↑ "Chaenactis fremontii A. Gray pincushion flower_USDA NRCS".
  3. ↑ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  4. ↑ Calflora taxon report, University of California, Chaenactis fremontii A. Gray, Fremont pincushion, pincushion flower
  5. ↑ "Asteraceae_Treatment from the Jepson Manual".
  6. ↑ Flora of North America, Fremont or desert pincushion, pincushion flower, Chaenactis fremontii A. Gray
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