Rayless Goldenhead
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(Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus)
Rayless Goldenhead (Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus)
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Andrey Zharkikh
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Andrey Zharkikh
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Andrey Zharkikh | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: AndreyZharkikh | Publisher: Flickr
Summary
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus, commonly known as rayless goldenhead, is a perennial subshrub native to desert ecosystems, specifically the Mojave Desert, southern Great Basin, and northern Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States. This includes regions in southern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, and Arizona. It typically grows in arid habitats such as desert washes, plains, mesas, and ridges, often in association with species like catclaw acacia, California juniper, and Joshua tree. The plant reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet and spreads about the same.
Rayless goldenhead is characterized by its upright, branching stems covered with gray-green linear leaves. It is notable for its hemispherical yellow flower heads that bloom from April to June and lack the typical ray florets found in many daisy family members. This gives the flowers a unique, rounded appearance that is quite showy in its native arid landscape. In cultivation, it is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is best grown in full sun. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Rayless goldenhead is characterized by its upright, branching stems covered with gray-green linear leaves. It is notable for its hemispherical yellow flower heads that bloom from April to June and lack the typical ray florets found in many daisy family members. This gives the flowers a unique, rounded appearance that is quite showy in its native arid landscape. In cultivation, it is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is best grown in full sun. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.6-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.6-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to desert ecosystems such as the Mojave Desert, southern Great Basin, and northern Sonoran Desert
Other Names
Common Names: Goldenhead
Scientific Names: Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus, Acamptopappus microcephalus, Haplopappus sphaerocephalus
GBIF Accepted Name: Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus