Heliomeris multiflora var. multiflora

Leaves mostly opposite; blades lance-ovate to lance-linear, 5-20 mm wide, margins flat, apices acute. 2n = 16.

Flowering Jul-Oct. Rocky slopes and valleys, open woods, roadsides; 1500-3200 m; Ariz., Colo., Idaho, Mont., Nev., N.Mex., Tex., Utah, Wyo.; Mexico.

FNA 2006, Wiggins 1964, Kearney and Peebles 1969

Duration: Perennial Nativity: Native Lifeform: Subshrub General: Native perennial herb, sometimes slightly woody at base; stems several, often somewhat reddish, 25-130 cm tall; more-or-less covered with short, stiff hairs. Leaves: Opposite below, often alternate above; linear to ovate, 2-25 mm wide, 3-8 cm long, with a deep midvein; covered with short, stiff, appressed hairs. Flowers: Heads solitary or in loose clusters; involucres 5-10 mm high; disk 6-15 mm wide, yellow; rays mostly 10-16, 7-20 mm long, yellow. Fruits: Cypselae 2.5-3 mm long, with no pappus. Ecology: Open slopes and riparian areas from 3,000-9,500 ft (915-2895 m); flowers May-October. Notes: Var. multiflora has wider leaves and occurs in more moist habitats. To get to this genus look for the subsessile glandular trichomes that are on the underside of the leaves, along with the small, less than 2.5 mm long, cypselae. Ethnobotany: Navajo use for sheep and deer feed. Gosiute report use of seeds for food. Etymology: Heliomeris is from ancient roots helio- for sun loving and meros- meaning part, while multiflora is ancient word for many-flowered. Synonyms: None Editor: SBuckley, 2010