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Xylorhiza tortifolia var. tortifolia
Xylorhiza tortifolia (Torr. & A. Gray) Greene var. tortifolia
Mojave Woody-aster, Mojave Aster
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Aplopappus tortifolius, Aster abatus, Aster goodingii, Aster mohavensis, Aster tortifolius, Machaeranthera tortifolia, Xylorhiza lanceolata, Xylorhiza scopulorum
USDA Symbol: XYTOT
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A low sub-shrub with a rounded form, mojave aster grows to about 2-1/2 ft. in height. Its leaves are narrow with spine-tipped teeth. Lavender, aster-like flowers occur singly and are large and showy.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 30 inches tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Usually lavender, seldom white.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NV , UTNative Distribution: S. CA to s. UT & n. & w. AZ
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky, desert slopes & washes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soils.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed.Seed Treatment: No treatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Xylorhiza tortifolia var. tortifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Xylorhiza tortifolia var. tortifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Xylorhiza tortifolia var. tortifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-27Research By: TWC Staff