Thelesperma subnudum

(Navajo Tea)

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Thelesperma subnudum, FR 503, Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Co. 2886

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Thelesperma subnudum, FR 503, Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Co. 2929

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Thelesperma subnudum, FR 503, Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Co. 2892

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Thelesperma subnudum, FR 503, Uncompahgre Plateau, Montrose Co. 2889

Scientific Name Thelesperma subnudum USDA PLANTS Symbol THSU
Common Name Navajo Tea ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 38528
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to foothills (4300 to 8500 ft); open, dry areas.
Plant: Upright, hairless perennial 4 to 12 inches tall; single smooth stem.
Leaves: Crowded at the base and bottom 1/4 to 1/3 of the stem, pinnately-divided into 3 to 5 lobes, each lobe lanceolate to oblanceolate or linear, 3/8 to 1-3/8 inches long and ~1/8-inch wide.
Inflorescence: Solitary, terminal composite flowerheads 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches across; 8 (or none) yellow ray flowers and numerous yellow disk flowers; involucre is hemispherical to almost cylindrically-shaped with 8 phyllaries, lanceolate and green with whitish margins in two rows, and up to 9 shorter, spreading bractlets below.
Bloom Period: May to July.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest 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