Family: Asteraceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., ser. 2, 7: 429 (1841)
Year: 1841
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rafinesquia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. U.S.A. to Mexico (Baja California Norte, Sonora)
Description
California plumeseed, scientifically named Rafinesquia californica, is a captivating species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Named and described by the botanist Nuttall in the publication “Transactions of the American Philosophical Society” in 1841, this plant draws attention for its distinctive and delicate features.
This species is native to the western regions of the United States and extends its presence southward into Mexico, particularly in Baja California Norte and Sonora. The plant thrives in its native habitats, often found in open and semi-arid environments where it contributes to the diverse flora of these regions.
Rafinesquia californica features prominently in the landscapes where it grows, giving rise to an array of blooms that captivate botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. The common name “California plumeseed” is derived from its characteristic seed dispersal mechanism, which exhibits a feathery or plumose structure aiding in the spread of its seeds by wind.
The genus Rafinesquia encompasses the unique characteristics of this species within the Asteraceae family. As an important component of its ecosystem, California plumeseed plays a vital role in the local biodiversity, providing food and habitat for various insects and wildlife.
In summary, California plumeseed (Rafinesquia californica) is an intriguing and vital part of the flora in western North America, extending into Mexican territories. Its ecological contributions and unique botanical features make it a subject of ongoing interest and study in the field of botany.
Common Names
Eng: california chicory, california plumeseed
En: California plumeseed, California chicory, California-chicory
Synonyms
- Nemoseris californica ((Nutt.) Greene)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Oregon (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jan 8, 2004 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2004 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Jo-Ann Ordano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2020 by katharine robertson (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 26, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Beatrice F. Howitt (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 18, 2013 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by julia higgins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 23, 2020 by DE BONA Micael (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 18, 2013 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 23, 2020 by Sarah Hedlund (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 8, 2004 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5385941)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:216825-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rafinesquia californica Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb