Woolly Stenotus
(Stenotus lanuginosus )
Asteraceae

Photo Copyright 2004 Dean Wm. Taylor

Description: Perennial, somewhat mat-forming. Leaves generally crowded at branch tips, 3/4 - 4 inches (2-10 cm), 1-3 veined, persistent for 2-3 years, linear to oblanceolate and hairy. Radiate flower head, solitary; flower stalks (peduncles) < 6 inches (15 cm), naked; involucre 1/4 - 1/2 inch (7-12 mm); phyllaries in 2-3 series. Ray flowers 10-20, 3/8 - 1/2 (8-12 mm), yellow. Disk flower corollas 1/4 inch (6-7.5 mm).

Identifying Features:

1. Solitary small yellow heads.
2. Erect lanceolate woolly leaves

Distribution: Lassen and Modoc counties. Also Oregon. Within the public lands administered by the Alturas Field Office south of Ash Valley near Hayden Hill and Sagehen Summit.

Habitat: Dry, rocky open sagebrush or juniper from 5,000 to 5,600 feet (1524 to 1706 meters).

Flowering Period: May - June

Similar Plants: Erigeron linearis but leaves and phyllaries narrower. Plant not as woolly. Also Erigeron eatonii but rays white to lavender. Stenotus acaulis but herbage glabrous.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 2.2