Marcus, Joseph A.
Thelesperma filifolium var. filifolium (Hook.) Gray
Stiff greenthread, Showy Navajo tea, Greenthread
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
This winter
annual, or short-lived
perennial, is often found growing in colonies. Its slender, branched stems, 10-30 in. tall, bear leaves divided into thread-like segments. In
bud, the flower heads droop; when fully opened, they are erect and upright. The yellow, daisy-like flowers occur on delicate, leafless stalks.
Stiff Greenthreads bloom period is often shortened by an insect larva that consumes the buds.
Image Gallery:
11 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual Habit: Herb Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Distribution
USA: AR , KS , LA , MS , MO , OK , TX
Native Distribution: S. SD to Mex., including parts of AR, OK & throughout TX
Native Habitat: Dry hills & plains. In East Texas and the Plains Country.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky or sandy soils. Limestone-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type.
Conditions Comments: The common name greenthread, refers to the thread-like appearance of the foliage. Many butterflies feed on this
nectar plant that blooms profusely from April to June.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Wildflower meadow, Pocket prairie
Use Wildlife: Nectar-Bees, Nectar-Butterflies, Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Dwarf Yellow butterfly.
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
Last Update: 2009-02-20
