Erigeron pallens

Perennials, 2–6(–10) cm; taprooted, caudices diffuse with extensive systems of rhizomelike, relatively long and slender branches. Stems erect (simple, ± scapiform), sparsely hirsuto-villous, minutely glandular. Leaves mostly basal (persistent); blades oblanceolate to spatulate, 10–25 × 2–4 mm, margins entire or shallowly 3-lobed apically (apices obtuse to nearly truncate), faces sparsely villous, minutely glandular. Heads 1. Involucres 6–8 × 9–13 mm. Phyllaries in 2–3 series (commonly purplish or purple at tips), sparsely villous (hairs often becoming tawny, without purple cross walls), minutely glandular. Ray florets 50–60; corollas white to pink or purplish, 4–5(–6) mm, laminae (filiform, ca. 0.5–0.8 mm wide, involute) erect, not coiling or reflexing. Disc corollas 3.5–5 mm. Cypselae (mature length not observed), 2-nerved, faces sparsely strigose; pappi: outer of setae, inner of 25–30 (tawny-white to yellowish) bristles. 2n = 18.

Phenology: Flowering Jul–Aug.
Habitat: Alpine talus or other steep, dry, sparsely vegetated slopes
Elevation: 2000–2200 m

Alta., B.C.

Discussion

Erigeron pallens is known only from southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta. Arctic plants previously identified as E. pallens mostly are E. denalii.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa