Family: Asteraceae
Author: Greene
Bibliography: Pittonia 3(18): 265 (1898)
Year: 1898
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tetraneuris
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. Canada to WC. & C. U.S.A.
Description
Stemless actinea, scientifically known as Tetraneuris acaulis, is a captivating perennial plant belonging to the diverse Asteraceae family. This resilient plant is noted for its notable adaptation to a wide range of habitats stretching from western Canada to the western and central regions of the United States.
A distinctive feature of Tetraneuris acaulis is its absence of a prominent stem, as suggested by the common name “stemless actinea.” Instead, the plant exhibits a rosette of basal leaves, from which its striking yellow flowers emerge directly. These bright flowers are daisy-like in appearance and serve as a delightful contrast to the plant’s green foliage, often brightening rocky and dry landscapes where it typically thrives.
The taxonomic journey of Tetraneuris acaulis can be traced back to its first description documented in 1898, in the publication Pittonia, authored by Edward Lee Greene. Greene’s work contributed significantly to the botanical understanding and classification of the species within the Asteraceae family.
Ecologically, Tetraneuris acaulis plays an essential role in its native habitats. It is not only a source of forage for pollinators like bees and butterflies but also helps in soil stabilization with its root system, making it a valuable component of the plant community in its native range. The plant’s ability to withstand harsh conditions and poor soils makes it an excellent candidate for xeriscaping and native plant gardens aimed at promoting biodiversity and conserving water.
Overall, the stemless actinea is a remarkable example of botanical resilience and beauty, representing the rich floral diversity found across North America.
Common Names
Eng: stemless four-nerve daisy, stemless four-nerved daisy, butte marigold, stemless rubberweed
Fra: hyménoxys acaule
En: STEMLESS ACTINEA, STEMLESS FOUR-NERVE-DAISY, Stemless four-nerve daisy, Stemless four-nerved daisy, Butte marigold, Stemless rubberweed
Fr: Hyménoxys acaule
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 13, 2021 by Professor Pickle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by Professor Pickle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by Professor Pickle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 31, 2014 by EOL − Mary Winter (public)
Taken Sep 2, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 28, 2016 by EOL − Robb Hannawacker (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3112389)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:251749-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tetraneuris acaulis (Pursh) Greene)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb