Native Plant Database

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Tetraneuris scaposa (Four-nerve daisy)
Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Tetraneuris scaposa (DC.) Greene

Four-nerve daisy, Hymenoxys, Stemmy four-nerve daisy, Yellow daisy, Bitterweed

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonyms: Tetraneuris scaposa var. scaposa, Hymenoxys scaposa

USDA Symbol: TESC2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Four-nerve daisy is a low, upright, silvery perennial to1 ft., from a woody base. The solitary stem is much-branched at the base forming a clump. The solitary flower heads occur at the end of silky, leafless stalks. The tip of each yellow ray flower is three-toothed. Four dark purple veins are visible on both sides of the ray. Disk flowers are also yellow. Long, narrow, silvery-green leaves are crowded mostly toward the base.

 

From the Image Gallery

View herbarium specimen from Harry T. Cliffe Bexar Regional Herbarium.

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: CO , IL , KS , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: W. KS to OK & TX, w. to CO & NM
Native Habitat: Dry plains; rocky hillsides. Widespread over Texas.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Rocky, clay and limestone soils. Clay, Clay Loam Medium Loam, Sandy Loam Sandy, Caliche type, Limestone-based
Conditions Comments: Four-nerve daisy is heat and drought tolerant. It prefers dry, well-drained soils. The grass-like foliage works well in sunny rock gardens, container gardens and borders. Especially desirable because it blooms often throughout the winter months.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Rock gardens, Border, Rocky hillside
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Seed Collection: Collect seed when it falls off easily, year-round.
Seed Treatment: Fresh seed may germinate better. Treat with Rootshield. Transplant to 4 when second leaves appear, even though plants are tiny.
Maintenance: They grow slowly. Try not to water too much or inconsistently.
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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I am looking for a tough, native TX plant to put in full sun location between the sidewalk and street. I would love for it to flower all summer. There is some irrigation but not much. I don't want the plants to get too tall and block visibility for driving out the driveway. Any suggestions?
click here to view the full question and answer

Question: My wife and I want to take a section of our front lawn that is currently in Bermuda grass and plant some native perennials with lots of flowers. The area will be a quarter-circle in a corner of the lawn with the 2 straight sides approximately 8-10 feet long. Three related questions, what would be the best way (ecological acceptable and good for the coming bed) to get rid of the Bermuda grass. What would be the best method of improving the soil, it is typical clay for Round Rock, Texas. Third what would be some good plant choices. The site gets sun until late-mid to late afternoon.
click here to view the full question and answer

Question: Good day, I am searching for a list of native Texas flowers (preferably perennials) for a flower garden. Thank you.
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Native Plant Society of Texas - Fredericksburg, TX
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-09-24
Research By: LAL

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