Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

(Tansey-leaf Aster)

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Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7346

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Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7350

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Leaves, Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7348

Scientific Name Machaeranthera tanacetifolia USDA PLANTS Symbol MATA2
Common Name Tanseyleaf Aster, Tahoka Daisy ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 38013
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and Foothills (3400 to 7000 ft.); sandy, rocky soils.
Plant: Low, upright to widely sprawling annual or biennial, 2 to 40 inches tall, densely leafy.
Leaves: Alternate, deeply twice-pinnatisect; 2 to 5 inches long overall; spine-tipped and sticky with small hairs; upper leaves less divided.
Inflorescence: Solitary flower heads 1 to 2-1/2 inches across on peduncles up to 1-1/4 inches long; many leafy, recurved phyllaries with sticky hairs; blue-to-purple, narrow rays and yellow disk flowers.
Bloom Period: May to September.
References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains