Chinchweed
Pectis papposa
Color: Yellow
Common name: Chinchweed, Many-bristle cinchweed
Latin name: Pectis papposa
Family: ASTERACEAE
Height: .5-8 inches
Description: Low mounded plants with 1-several stems and small yellow flower heads in clusters that appear after a summer range in great profusion carpeting the desert floor.
Leaf: The .5-2.5 inch leaves are linear and opposite with embedded scented oil glands that can have a cumin or lemon fragrance.
Range: East of Sierra Nevada, Desert
Habitat: Arid plains, rocky slopes
Elevation: < 1500 m.
Flowering time: After summer rains, Jun, Sep–Nov
Notes: This photo was taken on September 29, 2007 in the Mojave Desert between Barstow and Victorville, San Bernardino, California. Pectis papposa var. papposa is especially good for stabilizing or restoring disturbed or degraded areas. May be less suitable for general garden use. Pectis papposa var. papposa, a dicot, is an annual herb that is native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Distribution outside California: to sw Utah, sw New Mexico, nw Mexico.
We have an online wildflower field guide that is designed to help you identify desert wildflowers by color, scientific name, region and common name. The pictures are sized to work on the iPod, iPhone, iPad and similar devices. With your iPod or phone you will easily be able to identify wildflowers while in the desert. Links for downloads are on the bottom of the Wildflower Field Guide page.
Photo tips: Most digital point-and-shoot cameras have a macro function - usually symbolized by the icon of a little flower. When you turn on that function, you allow your camera to get closer to the subject, looking into a flower for example. Or getting up close and personal with a bug. More on desert photography.
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