Arrow-weed (Pluchea sericea, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 4: 128 (1893))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Coville

Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 4: 128 (1893)

Year: 1893

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pluchea

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. & SC. U.S.A. to N. Mexico

Description

Arrow-weed, known scientifically as Pluchea sericea, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. First described by Coville in 1893 as recorded in the Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, this resilient plant thrives in the southwestern and south-central regions of the United States, extending its reach into northern Mexico.

Arrow-weed is uniquely adapted to its hardy environment, which generally consists of arid and semi-arid landscapes. Its presence is commonly noted along riverbanks, desert washes, and other areas where moisture occasionally accumulates, providing the necessary hydration for its growth. The plant is easily recognizable by its silvery green leaves and clusters of small, pinkish flowers that bloom predominantly in the warmer seasons.

From an ecological perspective, Arrow-weed plays a vital role in its native habitat. It helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion, and provides a source of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including insects and small mammals. Moreover, the plant has been utilized historically by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including traditional medicine and crafting materials.

Despite the challenging conditions of its natural habitat, Arrow-weed demonstrates a remarkable ability to not only survive but also to flourish, making it an excellent subject of study for botanists and ecologists interested in desert flora and plant adaptation strategies.

Common Names

Eng: arrow-weed, arrowweed
Spa: bachanilla
En: Arrow-weed, Arrowweed
Zh: 箭矢野草
Es: Bachanilla

Synonyms

• Berthelotia sericea (Rydb.)
• Polypappus sericeus (Nutt.)
• Pluchea borealis (A.Gray)
• Tessaria sericea ((Nutt.) Shinners)
• Tessaria borealis (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Eremohylema sericea (A.Nelson)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Nov 22, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 25, 2002 by EOL − Glenn and Martha Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 20, 2012 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by leila nisaza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 11, 2016 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 11, 2016 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3132675)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:203920-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pluchea sericea (Nutt.) Coville)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth