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Native Plant Database

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Machaeranthera bigelovii (Bigelow's tansyaster)
Muller, Thomas L.

Machaeranthera bigelovii (Gray) Greene

Bigelow's tansyaster, Sticky Aster

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: mabi

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Leafy branched stems topped by flower heads with many narrow, bright reddish-lavender or purple rays surrounding a yellow central disk.

These wildflowers of late summer often color entire banks and roadsides with vibrant purple. In the afternoon, as flower heads become shaded, the rays fold upward in the sleep position. Sticky Aster resembles true asters (Aster) but has spiny or divided leaves.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Biennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AZ , CO , NM , NV , OK , UT , WY
Native Distribution: Western Colorado south to New Mexico and Arizona.
Native Habitat: Plains and openings in coniferous forests.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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