Family: Asteraceae
Author: L’Hér.
Bibliography: Hymenopappus: s.p. (1788)
Year: 1788
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hymenopappus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico
Description
Carolina woollywhite, known scientifically as Hymenopappus scabiosaeus, is a captivating plant species that adds a unique charm to the regions it inhabits. This plant belongs to the family Asteraceae, a family renowned for its diverse and often visually striking members.
The geographical range of the Carolina woollywhite extends broadly across the Central and Eastern United States, reaching down into Northeastern Mexico. This wide distribution reflects the plant’s adaptability to various environmental conditions within these regions.
The botanical classification of Hymenopappus scabiosaeus traces back to its authoritative description by the renowned French botanist, L’Hér., in 1788. The genus Hymenopappus encompasses several species, but the woollywhite stands out due to its distinctive features and resilience in various habitats.
The defining characteristics of the Carolina woollywhite include its finely dissected leaves and woolly appearance, which not only contribute to its common name but also provide a protective feature against herbivory and a means of reducing water loss in challenging climatic conditions. The plant produces striking white flowers that have a delicate, scabious-like quality, attracting various pollinators and contributing to the local biodiversity.
In summary, Carolina woollywhite is a noteworthy plant that enhances both the ecological fabric and the aesthetic appeal of its native regions. Its historical botanical identification and widespread presence across parts of the U.S. and Mexico underline its importance and resilience within the plant world.
Common Names
Eng: carolina woollywhite, old plainsman, whitebract hymenopappus
En: Carolina woollywhite, WHITE WOOLYWHITE, Flattop woollywhite, Old plainsman, Whitebract hymenopappus
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by ziesook you (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Emma Niven (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3110174)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:225253-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hymenopappus scabiosaeus L’Hér.)
