Hymenoxys vaseyi (Vasey's Bitter-Weed)
Family
ASTERACEAE
Synonyms
ACTINELLA VASEYI A. GRAY; PICRADENIA VASEYI (A. GRAY) GREENE
Common Name
Vasey's Bitter-Weed
| USFWS | State of NM | USFS | BLM | Navajo Nation | State Rank | Global Rank | R-E-D Code | NMRPTC Status | Strategy Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | G2 | 2-1-3 | R | SS |
| Overall Conservation Status | Documented Threats | Actions Needed |
|---|---|---|
| WEAKLY CONSERVED | No information |
Additional field searches to determine rarity |
Description
Perennial herb; stems one or a few from a branching base, 2-5 dm tall, glabrous or sparsely pubescent in the inflorescence; leaves once or twice parted into narrowly linear lobes; inflorescence corymbose (flat-topped); involucre of flower heads 8-10 mm tall, outer phyllaries united for 1/2 to 2/3 their length, inner phyllaries ciliate-margined and blunt to acute at the apex; flowers yellow, ray corollas usually as long as or longer than the length of the involucre; achenes appressed-hairy, pappus scales blunt or acute at the apex. Flowers August to October.
Similar Species
Hymenoxys richardsonii has pappus scales that taper to a fine point (acuminate) at the apex. Hymenoxys brachyactis is biennial with only one stem, has ray corollas shorter than the involucre, outer phyllaries united for 1/3 to 1/2 their length, and acute to acuminate pappus scales.
Distribution
New Mexico, eastern Dona Ana and eastern Sierra counties, Organ and San Andres mountains.
Habitat
Dry sites with coarse soils in montane scrub and piñon-juniper woodland; 2,100-2,500 m (6,900-8,200 ft).
Remarks
This is a variable and infrequently collected species in need of additional study.
Conservation Considerations
Very little is known of its abundance and habitat requirements. It needs additional field studies.
Important Literature
*New Mexico Native Plants Protection Advisory Committee. 1984. A handbook of rare and endemic plants of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque.
Cockerell, T. 1904. The North American species of Hymenoxys. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 31:461-509.
Information Compiled By
Robert Sivinski 1999
For distribution maps and more information, visit Natural Heritage New Mexico