Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides, Prodr. 6: 43 (1838))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 6: 43 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Venegasia

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to Mexico (Baja California Norte)

Description

The Canyon sunflower, known scientifically as Venegasia carpesioides, is a vibrant member of the Asteraceae family. This striking plant is native to the regions stretching from California down to Baja California Norte in Mexico. Recognizable for its bright, appealing flowers, the Canyon sunflower brings a touch of golden beauty to the rocky canyons and arid landscapes it calls home.

Venegasia carpesioides was first described in scholarly literature in 1838, a testament to its long-recognized importance in the botanical world. The descriptive work was done by the esteemed botanist De Candolle (DC.), capturing the essence and details of this glorious species. The Canyon sunflower showcases broad, green leaves and daisy-like flowers that can range from a rich yellow to a pale, buttery hue, thriving in the challenging conditions of its native habitats.

Often found in rocky, well-drained soils, the Canyon sunflower demonstrates a remarkable resilience, flourishing in places where few other species can. Its presence is not just a visual delight but also plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing nourishment and habitat for a variety of insects and animals.

Whether gracing a canyon cliff or brightening a desert garden, the Canyon sunflower stands as a beautiful symbol of nature’s enduring spirit and adaptability. Its flourishing periods add vibrancy to the otherwise stark landscapes, ensuring that the beauty of the wild is always within sight.

Common Names

Eng: canyon sunflower
En: Canyon sunflower

Synonyms

• Venegasia deltoidea (Rydb.)
• Parthenopsis maritima (Kellogg)
• Venegasia carpesioides var. deltoidea (S.F.Blake)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Apr 2, 2014 by EOL − Eric Jacob (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 4, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2016 by EOL − Cedric Lee (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2006 by EOL − Doug Fischer (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 14, 2018 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 4, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2004 by EOL − Dr. Daniel L. Geiger (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 14, 2018 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2019 by aren (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by marie the mariani (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by cat grass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2012 by EOL − Chris Cook (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 2, 2019 by aren (cc-by-sa)

© 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/3139622)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:257221-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Venegasia carpesioides DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Forb/herb, Subshrub

Growth