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Flaigg, Norman G.

Parthenium argentatum

Parthenium argentatum A. Gray

Guayule, Rubber Plant

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PAAR5

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Shrub 1 to 3 feet in height and spread. Leaves lanceolate to oblanceolate; length and width variable, but average about 1 inch by 1/2 inch; margins mostly entire, sometimes with a few sharp teeth; surfaces gray or white strigillose, sometimes dotted with glands. Capitula radiate in small clusters on ebracteate pedicels; each capitulum bears 5 fertile ray florets and 20 to 30 disc florets. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Texas and Mexico. Habitat on rocky, calcareous soils.

This species is a source for latex used in the manufacture of high-quality rubber.

From the Image Gallery

15 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate , Oblanceolate
Leaf Pubescence: Glandular , Hirsute
Leaf Margin: Entire
Inflorescence: Head
Size Notes: 1 to 3 feet in height.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Flowers white with a greenish-yellow cast.

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Habitat: Rocky, calcareous soils in the Chihuahuan Desert.

From the National Organizations Directory

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

NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2020-06-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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