Hoary tansy-aster
Dieteria canescens (Pursh) Nutt. var. glabra (A. Gray) D. R. Morgan & R. L. Hartm.
[=Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray ]
[=Machaeranthera linearis Greene ]
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, usually solitary, sometimes few-branched, glabrous or finely pubescent, sometimes sparsely glandular, lower stems often reddish; branches ascending.
- Leaves
- Alternate; blades linear-lanceolate to linear, 1.2 to 3 inches long, to .4 inch wide, glabrous to finely pubescent, margins entire to irregularly toothed; proximal leaves early deciduous.
- Inflorescence
- Heads in corymb-like clusters. Involucres bell-shaped to broadly top-shaped, .25 to .5 inch tall. Phyllaries overlapping in several series, narrow, usually appressed, sometimes spreading, tips green, pointed.
- Flower
- Ray florets numerous, white, blue or purple, 25 to .5 inch tall; disk florets yellow, corollas .16 to .25 inch.
- Fruit
- Achenes, .12 to .16 inch, sparsely appressed-pubescent; pappus of brownish or whitish, stiff, unequal bristles.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Open, dry sandy sites, disturbed areas.
- Distribution
- Southwest 1/5 of Kansas
Additional Notes
Comments
Kansas populations of hoary tansy-aster are exclusively white.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Machaeranthera canescens
Full Citation: Machaeranthera canescens A. Gray
Scientific Name: Machaeranthera linearis
Full Citation: Machaeranthera linearis Greene
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae – Sunflower of Composite Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 6-24 inches
- Origin
- Native
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-07
Color Groups
Flowering Period
Blooms: August, September