Erigeron aphanactis (A.Gray) Greene

Scientific Classification and Common Names

Erigeron aphanactis (A.Gray) Greene is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, with the common names rayless daisy and rayless shaggy fleabane.

Native Distribution Regions

This wildflower is native to the western United States, found primarily in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions.

Detailed State Range

This range includes eastern California, Nevada, Utah, western Colorado, northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, southern Idaho, and eastern Oregon.

Habitat

It grows in sage, scrub, and open woodland habitats.

Growth Form

It is a short, clumping perennial.

Stem and Foliage Characteristics

Its stems and foliage are covered in stiff hairs and resin glands.

Leaf Traits

Most of its narrow, fuzzy leaves are located near the base of the plant.

Inflorescence Structure

Erect stems hold inflorescences with one or more flat, buttonlike flower heads.

Floret Composition

These heads contain numerous golden yellow disc florets, but no ray florets.

Flower Head Size

Each flower head is approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) wide.

Recognized Varieties

Two varieties are recognized: Erigeron aphanactis var. aphanactis, which occurs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah; and Erigeron aphanactis var. congestus (Greene) Cronquist, which occurs in California, Nevada, and Utah.