About Erigeron rhizomatus Cronquist
Erigeron rhizomatus Cronquist is a perennial herb that reaches a maximum height of 45 centimeters (18 inches). It grows from a rhizome and a large network of clumped fibrous roots, topped with a branching caudex. It produces one or more erect stems covered in rough hairs, that also grow up to around 45 centimeters (18 inches) tall at maximum. Leaves are lance-shaped near the plant's base, and become much narrower, linear in shape further up the stem. The inflorescence usually holds a single flower head at the tip of the stem; this head contains 25 to 45 white or purple-tinged ray florets, each less than one centimeter long. The ray florets surround many yellow disc florets. This species grows on selenium-rich sandstone substrates derived from the Baca and Chinle Formations. It occurs on barren outcrops of eroding red or grayish rock, which can have slopes of up to 40 degrees. Common associated plant species in its habitat include four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), oneseed juniper (Juniperus monosperma), Colorado pinyon (Pinus edulis), and Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii).
