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Thelesperma simplicifolium
Thelesperma simplicifolium A. Gray
Slender Greenthread, Navajo Tea, Cota
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: thsi
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Thelesperma simplicifolium grows to 28 inches tall and has many loosely branched stems. Leaves are opposite, 1-3 inches long. The lower leaves have 3-5 narrow segments, but those above have fewer. Flower heads are generally similar to those of T. flavodiscum, with 6-9 yellow ray flowers and yellowish-brown disc flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Size Notes: Up to about 28 inches 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: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: NM , TXNative Habitat: Abundant on open and well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, especially in the limestone uplands. Throughout Texas and west into New Mexico.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Conditions Comments: Navajo Tea is best used as a grouping in a wildflower meadow. It forms colonies by spreading rhizomes. The bright golden flowers provide nectar to butterflies and sparce foliage give the plant an airy feel.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesFragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Edible Native Plants for a Small Austin Garden
March 15, 2010
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0234 Collected June 3, 1992 in Comal County by Mary Beth WhiteNPSOT 0677 Collected July 18, 1992 in Bandera County by Harry Cliffe
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-GV-3 Collected 2005-06-04 in Travis County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 281 - Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.
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.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Thelesperma simplicifolium in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Thelesperma simplicifolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Thelesperma simplicifolium
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-30Research By: LAL, JMS