Family: Asteraceae
Author: (Greene) Greene
Bibliography: Erythea 2: 111 (1894)
Year: 1894
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Isocoma
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. U.S.A. to NW. Mexico
Description
Alkali jimmyweed, scientifically known as Isocoma acradenia, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. First described by the botanist E. L. Greene in 1894 and published in Erythea, this species is noteworthy for its hardiness and adaptability to alkali environments.
Native to the southwestern regions of the United States and extending into northwestern Mexico, alkali jimmyweed thrives in arid and semi-arid climates. The plant exhibits a remarkable tolerance to high salinity levels, making it an interesting subject of study for ecologists and botanists exploring plant survival strategies in challenging conditions.
This perennial shrub can be recognized by its compact, bushy appearance and its clusters of small, yellow flower heads. Each flower head typically blooms during the late summer to early fall, adding a splash of color to the arid landscapes where it grows. The leaves are typically narrow and lance-shaped, often exhibiting a greyish-green hue that helps reduce water loss—a critical adaptation in its native habitats.
In its native range, Isocoma acradenia forms part of the natural vegetation community, playing a role in the local ecosystem. It provides forage for some wildlife and contributes to soil stabilization, especially in areas susceptible to erosion. Despite its unassuming appearance, this plant is a vital component of the desert flora.
Alkali jimmyweed’s resilience to harsh environmental conditions, coupled with its ecological role, underscores its importance and the need for further study to understand its adaptation mechanisms. This knowledge can be invaluable in efforts to manage and restore degraded landscapes, offering potential insights into revegetation practices in saline and arid regions.
Common Names
Eng: alkali goldenbush, alkali jimmyweed
En: Alkali jimmyweed, Alkali goldenbush
Synonyms
- Bigelowia acradenia (Greene)
- Haplopappus acradenius ((Greene) S.F.Blake)
- Aster acradenius ((Greene) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Nov 13, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 13, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Oct 27, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2009 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Jossanne Neil (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Jeff Potts (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 6, 2015 by EOL − matthew_salkiewicz (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Dec 1, 2014 by EOL − lonnyholmes (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 27, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDI BLM. United States, NV, Clark Co. October 2003. (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDI BLM. United States, NV, Clark Co. October 2003. (public)
Taken Nov 13, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© 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/3099243)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:130440-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Isocoma acradenia (Greene) Greene)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub
