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Rafinesquia neomexicana
Rafinesquia neomexicana A. Gray
New Mexico Plumeseed, Plume-seed
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: RANE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A smooth, sparsely-leaved, grayish-green plant with white flower heads at the ends of the few branches. Sap milky.
The genus name honors C. S. Rafinesque, an eccentric early naturalist. Two similar species in the same region are California Plumeseed (R. californica), with smaller heads and the stalk on the fruit longer than the body, and Tackstem (Calycoseris wrightii), with tack-shaped glands beneath the head.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Sometimes with rose or purplish veins abaxially.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NM , NV , TX , UTNative Distribution: Se. California and s. Utah to the tip of w. Texas; south to Mexico.
Native Habitat: Sandy or gravelly flats or slopes in deserts, often supported by shrubs.
Bibliography
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Rafinesquia neomexicana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Rafinesquia neomexicana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rafinesquia neomexicana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-13Research By: TWC Staff