Cutleaf ironplant
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect or ascending, usually numerous, simple below, branched above, sparsely hairy to glandular-woolly, sometimes glabrous.
- Leaves
- Alternate, sessile, oblong to narrowly spatulate in outline, .5 to 2.5 inches long, less than .5 inch wide, pinnately divided into bristle-tipped segments; upper leaves reduced.
- Inflorescence
- Heads, several to solitary, about 1/2 inch wide, terminal; bracts linear, overlapping in 4-6 series, bristle-tipped.
- Flower
- Ray florets 15-40, less than 1/2 inch long, yellow; disk florets numerous, corollas yellow.
- Fruit
- Achenes, sparsely hairy, tipped with yellowish brown, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry, sandy or gravelly open prairies, pastures, and roadsides.
- Distribution
- West 2/3 of Kansas.
- Reproduction
- None
Practical Information
- Toxicity
- None
- Forage Value
- None
- Uses
- None
Additional Notes
Comments
When dried, this plant has a hard, woody base, thus the name "ironplant". Cutleaf ironplant is hardy and withstands drought well. It has a woody taproot that can grow 3-4 feet long.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Haplopappus spinulosus
Full Citation: Haplopappus spinulosus DC.
Scientific Name: Machaeranthera pinnatifida
Full Citation: Machaeranthera pinnatifida Shinners
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 6-20 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-05
Color Groups
Flowering Period
Blooms: May, June, July, August, September