Thymophylla aurea

(A. Gray) Greene

in N. L. Britton and A. Brown, Ill. Fl. N. U.S. 3: 453. 1898.

Basionym: Lowellia aurea A. Gray Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, n. s. 4: 91. 1849
Synonyms: Dyssodia aurea (A. Gray) A. Nelson
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 21. Treatment on page 244. Mentioned on page 240.

Annuals, green, to 20(–30) cm, glabrous or puberulent. Stems erect (branched from bases). Leaves alternate; blades 15–40 mm overall, lobed, lobes 5–13, linear. Peduncles 10–70 mm, glabrous or puberulent. Calyculi 0, or of 1–2 subulate bractlets, lengths less than 1/2 phyllaries. Involucres obconic to campanulate, 5–6 mm. Phyllaries 12–15, margins of outer distinct almost to bases, abaxial faces glabrous or puberulent. Ray florets 8–12; corollas bright yellow, laminae 4–6 × 2–3 mm. Disc florets 30–45; corollas yellow, 3 mm. Cypselae 3 mm; pappi either of erose scales 0.3–0.6 mm, or of 3–5-aristate scales 2–3 mm.

Distribution

V21-602-distribution-map.gif

Colo., Kans., N.Mex., Tex., n Mexico.

Discussion

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).

The two varieties of Thymophylla aurea are sometimes found in mixed populations, which may include intermediate plants.

Selected References

None.

Key

1 Pappi of 18–20, 3–5-aristate scales 2–3 mm Thymophylla aurea var. polychaeta
1 Pappi of 8–10 erose scales 0.3–0.6 mm Thymophylla aurea var. aurea