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Psathyrotes ramosissima
Psathyrotes ramosissima (Torr.) A. Gray
Velvet Turtleback, Turtleback
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Tetradymia ramosissima
USDA Symbol: PSRA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A low, compact, round, gray, velvety plant with a strong turpentine odor and tiny, yellow flower heads.
The plants form mounds resembling the shape of a turtle's shell, and the intermeshed leaves are even fancied to represent its scales, hence one of this species' common names.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb , Subshrub
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: May flower sporadically in other months following rains.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NV , UTNative Distribution: Southwestern Utah south through western Arizona and southeastern California to northwestern Mexico.
Native Habitat: Desert flats and ledges.
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Psathyrotes ramosissima in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Psathyrotes ramosissima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Psathyrotes ramosissima
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-06Research By: TWC Staff