Scientific name:
Tetraneuris ivesiana
Synonyms:
Hymenoxys argentea, hymenoxys acaulis
Range:
The Four Corners states
Habitat:
Woodland, sandy locations, roadsides, forest margins, semi-deserts
Leaves:
Basal; linear to oblanceolate, 1 or 2 inches long, upwards pointing
The clustered leaves of tetraneuris ivesiana are small and grow primarily at the base; slender unbranched stems (between 5 and 20 per plant) rise well above the foliage and are topped by (usually) a single yellow flowerhead, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Flowers are formed of 7 to 10 ray petals, about twice as long as wide, with 2 lengthwise grooves leading to notches at the tip. The yellow-orange disc florets are small and numerous, up to 150. Phyllaries are green, oblanceolate in shape and hairy, all about the same length, with blunt-pointed tips. Stems are also hairy, while leaves are usually hairless, but can have a fine, downy hair covering.