Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Pectis multisetosa
Other common names
spreading cinchweed
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Pectis sp.
Height
To 4 inches
Riparian
No
The prostrate stems containing numerous narrow leaves branch out from the base forming a dense mat. Small yellow flower heads
are clustered within the leaves.
Involucre and narrow leaves with oil glands, phyllaries in 1 series, receptacle not chaffy, 5 yellow strap-shaped ray flowers, tubular
disc flowers and pappi of lanceolate scales distinguishes this from other Asteraceae and Pectis sp.
Habitat
Open sites in deserts, grasslands, oak-pine-juniper woodlands and roadsides.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
6500
Flower Characteristics
The small, yellow flowers have 5 petals (ray florets) surrounding a variable number of disc florets. The florets emerge from the tops
of cylindrical green bracts. The flowers are about 3/8 inches high.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
November
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The narrow leaves are bristled at the base and dotted throughout with round oil glands. They are up to 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Achene has surface nodules, is 2 ridged and coated with 2-4 rows of hairs at its margin. There are 3-5 stout, whitish scales about 1/8 inch long at one end.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Black