Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Tetradymia canescens var. inermis
Other common names
spineless horsebrush
black sage
gray felt-thorn
gray horsebrush
Plant type
Shrubs
Riparian
No
Plant Description
Origin
Native
Stems solitary to few, erect, unarmed, much-branched, spreading or ascending branches and woody base, branches and twigs covered with dense, felt-like hairs interspersed with smooth hairless streaks. A highly drought tolerant plant.
Shrub, forms dense clumps; individual plants produce up to 5 stems; without spines; grayish-green spiny leaves, covered with densely matted woolly hairs; leaves angle upwards; 4 disk flowers; short, stiff, hairy fruit; fine bristles on seed tops.
Height
2 feet
Width
5 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Found in dry, open rocky places, sometimes in saline soil.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
6000
High elevation
7400
Leaves
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaf hairs
Top and bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Evergreen
Woolly and narrow to 1/2 inch long growing along the entire stem. The margins are smooth and the leaf has a prominent midvein. New leaves have a silvery appearance.
Flowers
Flower color
Yellowish-white to bright yellow
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
October
Flowers yellowish-white to bright yellow. Flower heads consist of 4 disc only flowers and 4 to 6 woolly bracts surrounding the head to 5/8 inch long in terminal clusters.
Flower clusters
Rounded
Fruit
Fruit color
Brown
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit is a densely silky achene with tan bristles to 3/4 inch long.