Erigeron bloomeri

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7) Erigeron, Hymenoxys, Townsendia and other Asteraceae

Erigeron bloomeri is a nice little rayless erigeron found in dry sights in WA, OR, CA, UT, ID, and NV.

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066563
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ERBL
http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Erigeron+b...

Comments

Tim Ingram's picture

Tim Ingram (not verified)

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 2:32pm

John - I shall keep a lookout for that; distinctive plant. Lovely photos.

Mark McDonough's picture

Mark McDonough

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 6:57pm

John, really good photos of a great little Erigeron.  One imagines an ugly plant when hearing the description "rayless Erigeron", but this is a surprisingly fine species, with showy and substantial golden buttonheads that remind me of Chaenactis douglasii var. alpina (http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0407+3283) or Alpine Dusty Maidens (such a memorable common name).

When I lived in Washington State, this bright little species was often encountered in my wildflower travels.  It also proved easy enough to grow, making an excellent trough subject.

Lori S.'s picture

Lori S. (not verified)

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 7:11pm

A very interesting plant, John!  Thanks for posting it.  Are the dry sites where it occurs usually at pretty high elevations?

John P. Weiser's picture

John P. Weiser

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 6:29am

Lori
They are usually found around eastern Nevada between 3200'-7500' (1000-2300m) on rocky, semi-stable, clay slopes and ridges. The larger populations sighted with northern of eastern aspects but not restricted to these sights. I am sure seed germination is better, due to slower evaporation of spring moisture.

Trond Hoy's picture

Trond Hoy

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 7:22am

An interesting plant! Each flowerhead individually reminds me of of some weeds we have here  :o but the whole plant is quite different and rather attractive ;)