Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, solitary or branched, glandular-hairy.
- Leaves
- Alternate, densely crowded, short-stalked to sessile, 1 to 3 inches long, to 1 inch wide, pinnately divided 1-2 times into linear to oblong-lanceolate segments; tips with small, hard spines.
- Inflorescence
- Solitary heads, 1 to 2 inches wide, terminal; bracts long, narrow, bases paper-like, tips green, spreading or curving back.
- Flower
- Ray florets 15-25, bluish purple; disk florets numerous, yellow.
- Fruit
- Achenes, appressed-hairy, tipped with stiff bristles, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Open, dry, disturbed areas and roadsides, most abundant on sandy soils.
- Distribution
- West third of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Uses
- The Navajo used the dried roots to reduce nasal congestion and as a sneeze-inducing snuff.
Additional Notes
Comments
Mature tansy aster plants appear bushy. Though closely related to the asters, it is set apart by its spine-tipped leaves. The common name "Tahoka daisy" began to be used when seeds were collected for commercial use in the area around Tahoka, Texas.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 4-18 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-09-03
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: June, July, August