Fiveneedle Pricklyleaf (Thymophylla pentachaeta)
Description: A low, tufted, dark green, prickly plant with 1 small, deep yellow flower head on each of several leafless stalks above foliage. This common low plant frequently grows near Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) and Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) or among piñon, juniper, and Snakeweed. The closely related Prickly Fetid Marigold (T. acerosa) is more woody and prickly, with flower heads that sit among undivided leaves. Both species were once included in the larger genus Dyssodia. Thymophylla is one of dozens of western North American genera that also have species in southern South America but have no species in the great distance between these two regions. This range distribution probably requires the long-distance dispersal of seeds, perhaps by migratory birds.
Family: Asteraceae
Synonym(s): Parralena, Fiveneedle pricklyleaf, Five-needle Fetid Marigold
USDA Symbol: THPE4
Duration: Perennial
Habit: SubShrub
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Water Use: Low
Light Requirements: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Bloom Notes: Native Distribution: Southern Utah south to southeastern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.
Native Habitat: Open deserts and arid, rocky plains.
Missing Images: Plant, Leaf, Close-Up, Fruit-Seed
Data Completeness: Complete
ATTRIBUTION: All of the Texas Wildflower images in this post are copyrighted and are the exclusive property of Terry B. Kahler. Reproduction without explisit written consent is prohibited. Some of the information contained in this section was taken from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website and is being used under their terms of use. Redistribution from this site is prohibited. Additional information contained in this section was taken from the USDA website including the USDA code.
