Growth Form:Forb/herb; plants mostly upright (erect) branching near base and throughout; stems 1 or numerous; stiff branching and stiff hairs throughout (bristly).
Leaves: Green; stiff hairs throughout (bristly); numerous narrow leaves, margins with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward (serrate), each tip with a bristle.
Flowering Season: February, March or April to October or November
Elevation: 3,000 to 7,500 feet (945-2,286 m)
Habitat Preferences: Middle to upper (woodland, scrub) and lower deserts, dry plains, mesas, rocky slopes, sandy areas and roadsides.
Recorded Range:Xanthisma gracilie is native to the southwestern United States in AZ, CA, CO, ME, NM, NV, NY, TX and UT and in northern and central Mexico. (Records from ME and NY are old records of non-native specimens.) The largest populations are found in AZ and NM.
Genus Information: In North America there are 18 species and 18 accepted taxa overall for Machaeranthera. Worldwide, The Plant List includes 27 accepted species names and a further 18 scientific names of infraspecific rank for Machaeranthera.
The genus Machaeranthera was published in 1832 by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck (1776-1858).
The synonym genus Xanthisma was published by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1836.
In the Southwestern United States: Arizona and New Mexico each have 13 species of genus, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah each have 8 species. Data approximate, subject to revision.
Comments: The yellow daisy-like flowered species are often included in the genus Machaeranthera. Slender Goldenweed species and varieties have variable characteristics and are taxonomically confusing to botanists as evidenced with the many taxonomic changes over the years. Its true classification may yet be resolved as Xanthisma is a complex genus that has been passed around taxonomically for several decades. In addition to the genus Machaeranthera this species has also been included in Aster, Haplopappus and Dieteria.
It is also called Annual Bristle-weed as the plant is covered in small white spiny bristles throughout. In years with ample rainfall, this plant is found in large numbers with its bright yellow flowers.
Slender Goldenweed, Xanthisma gracile, has showy, daisy-like flowers, the flowers, their seeds and plants may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents and granivorous birds in search of food, nectar and protection through cover.
Beneficial Value to Butterflies, Honey Bees and Insects
Slender Goldenweed, Xanthisma gracile, has showy, daisy-like flowers, the flowers and their plants may be visited by butterflies, moths, flies, honeybees, Native Bees and other insects in search of food and nectar.
Etymology:
The genus “Machaeranthera” (Machaeran'thera:) is Greek for sword-like anthers. The genus Machaeranthera was published by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck in 1832.
The genus Machaeranthera was published in 1832 by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck (1776-1858).
The synonym genus Xanthisma(Xanthis'ma:) is a Greek name meaning "that which is dyed yellow," in reference to the flowers.
The genus Xanthisma was published by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1836.
The species epithet “gracile” (gra'cile:) means slender, graceful.
Ethnobotany
Xanthisma gracile is used for numerous
purposes by southwestern United States indigenous peoples.
Navajo, Ramah Drug, Dermatological Aid; Cold infusion used as lotion for pimples, boils and sores.
Navajo, Ramah Drug, Eye Medicine; Cold, compound infusion of plant used as an eyewash.
Navajo, Ramah Drug, Internal Medicine; Decoction of plant taken for internal injury.
Navajo, Ramah Drug, Respiratory Aid; Plant used as snuff to cause sneezing, clearing congested nose.
Navajo, Ramah Food, Dried Food; Dried seeds used for food.
See complete listing of ethno-botanical uses at Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn.
