Enceliopsis Argophylla, Silverleaf Sunray

Enceliopsis argophylla is a distinctive plant of the Mojave Desert, most widespread in the vicinity of Lake Mead, easily identified by its large, silvery leaves, hairless stem and large flowerheads. Plants are most likely to be found on gypsum-based soils, often close to another area rarity, the Las Vegas bearpoppy.

Leaves, clustered at the base, are crossed by three veins which merge with the light-colored petiole, lined by wings. Leaves are covered by fine, soft, appressed hairs.

Phyllaries are prominent, in four to six rows, lanceolate in shape, broad at the base, also hairy. Flowerheads consist of between 20 and 35 deep yellow ray florets, prominently grooved, and several hundred orange disk florets.