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Xylorhiza tortifolia
Xylorhiza tortifolia (Torr. & A. Gray) Greene
Mojave Woodyaster, Mojave Aster, Desert Aster
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: XYTO2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Several grayish, leafy stems, growing from a woody base, with long leafless ends topped by flower heads with many narrow, pale lavender or pale violet rays surrounding a yellow central disc.
The pastel hue of the rays seems unexpectedly delicate in the plant's harsh environment, even appearing vivid in the early light of day. A similar species, Big Bend Aster (X. wrightii), is found in western Texas and nearby Mexico. Desert species with a woody base (Xylorhiza means "woody base") have been removed from the large and complex genus Machaeranthera, where they were placed for many decades.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Subshrub
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: Ray florets seldom white.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NV , UTNative Distribution: Southwestern Utah south to western Arizona and southeastern California.
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky, desert slopes and washes.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
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 in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Xylorhiza tortifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Xylorhiza tortifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-27Research By: TWC Staff