About Machaeranthera tanacetifolia (Kunth) Nees
Macharenanthera tanacetifolia is an annual or biennial herb that produces one or more branching stems, reaching a height between 10 and 40 centimetres, which equals 4 to 15 and a half inches. Its multilobed leaves grow up to 5 to 12.5 centimetres, or 2 to 5 inches, long. From May to September, the plant produces an inflorescence that holds one or more flower heads. These heads are lined with spreading or curling pointed phyllaries. Each flower head has a centre made of many yellow disc florets, surrounded by a fringe of numerous lavender to purple ray florets, each 1 to 2 centimetres, or 1 third to 2 thirds of an inch, long. The fruit of this species is a flat achene that measures around 1 centimetre long when including the pappus. This species is similar to Machaeranthera parviflora, which differs by producing smaller flower heads. This plant is native to Alberta, southwestern and central regions of the United States, and northern Mexico. It grows in a number of habitat types, including open sandy plains and deserts. Among the Zuni people, an infusion of this plant’s flowers mixed with other flowers is consumed to treat unspecified illnesses.
