Common name:
Pricklyleaf dogweed
Family:
Scientific name:
Thymophylla acerosa
Main flower color:
Range:
From south Nevada to west and central Texas
Height:
Up to 10 inches
Habitat:
Plains and hillsides, often limestone, up to 6,500 feet
Leaves:
Linear or thread-like, pointed at the tip, around 2/3 of an inch long
Season:
January to December
The short, linear leaves of thymophylla acerosa are not lobed, but clustered, at opposite intervals all along the stems. Plants are shrubs, the leaves and stems bright green in color, usually covered with very fine, short hairs (puberulent). Leaves have distinct yellowish oil glands at intervals, from the base to just below the pointed tip. Stems branch from the base and higher up. Plants bloom all year, reflecting the mild desert environments they inhabit, but most strongly in summer.
At the base of the flowerhead are 5 leaf-like bractlets, about half as long as the phyllaries, which number about 13, and are fused apart from near the tips, with indistinct margins. Bractlets and phyllaries also have oil glands. Heads are formed of 7 or 8 yellow ray florets and 18 to 25 or more yellow-orange disc florets; fewer than most similar species
At the base of the flowerhead are 5 leaf-like bractlets, about half as long as the phyllaries, which number about 13, and are fused apart from near the tips, with indistinct margins. Bractlets and phyllaries also have oil glands. Heads are formed of 7 or 8 yellow ray florets and 18 to 25 or more yellow-orange disc florets; fewer than most similar species
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