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Marcus, Joseph A.
Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex Gray
Cowpen Daisy, Golden crownbeard, Butter daisy
USDA Symbol: VEEN
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A well-branched grayish-green plant with mostly opposite, toothed, nearly triangular leaves and yellow flower heads. The flower heads are up to 2 inches (5 cm) across and have 3-toothed rays. The silvery green leaves are triangular with toothed margins.
This plant is common on disturbed ground and sometimes colors acres or miles of roadside solid yellow.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual Habit: Herb Size Notes: 1-3
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , FL , GA , HI , IA , IL , KS , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NM , NV , NY , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , WY
Native Distribution: C. California to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas; north through e. Utah and Colorado to Montana; east to Kansas and se. United States; south into tropical America.
Native Habitat: Found in disturbed areas throughout Texas, especially the drier parts. Sand, loam, clay, limestone.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), PR(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Conditions Comments: Cowpen daisy earned its name from a descriptive example of the type of disturbed soil on which it thrives. The yellow flower is a good
nectar source especially for late season butterflies.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: This plant was used by Indians and early settlers to treat skin ailments.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Propagation
Propagation Material: Seeds
Seed Collection: Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Medicinal plants at the Wildflower Center
April 19, 2006
What kinds of medicinal plants do you have at the Wildflower Center?
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Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0075 Collected Oct. 19, 1990 in Bexar County by Mollie Walton
NPSOT 0642 Collected May 30, 1992 in Bexar County by Harry Cliffe
NPSOT 1057 Collected Aug 10, 1995 in Comal County by Mary Beth White
Recommended Species Lists
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Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-07-13
Research By: TWC Staff
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