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Native Plant Database

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Palafoxia sphacelata (Othake)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Palafoxia sphacelata (Nutt. ex Torr.) Cory

Othake, Sand palafoxia

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: PASP

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A slender, erect, sparsely leaved plant, usually glandular-hairy on upper parts, with few pink flower heads at ends of upper branches.

The related Spanish Needles (P. arida) has only very pale lavender disk flowers; on top of the fruit are four slender, pointed scales (the Spanish needles). It is common on sandy flats and in washes from southeastern California west to southwestern Utah and western Arizona.

This genus is named after José de Palafox y Melzi, Duke of Saragossa (1776–1847), a Spanish captain-general, in the war against the invading armies of Napoleon.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: CO , KS , NE , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: Kansas south and southwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Caliche type

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Rocky hillside, Wildflower meadow
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX

Bibliography

Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Palafoxia sphacelata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Palafoxia sphacelata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Palafoxia sphacelata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-10-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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