Desert pincushion (Chaenactis stevioides, Bot. Beechey Voy.: 353 (1839))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Hook. & Arn.

Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 353 (1839)

Year: 1839

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chaenactis

Vegetable: False

Observations: U.S.A. to NW. Mexico

Description

The Desert pincushion, scientifically named Chaenactis stevioides, is an intriguing plant species within the Asteraceae family, first described in literature by Hooker and Arnott in 1839 in the botanical works of the Beechey voyage. Renowned for its distinctive appearance and adaptive capabilities, this hardy plant flourishes in the arid regions stretching across the United States and northwestern Mexico.

Endemic to the harsh desert environments, the Desert pincushion is a testament to nature’s resilience. It typically thrives in sandy or rocky soils, often spotted in open desert landscapes where few other plants can survive. Its unique growth habit and structure enable it to conserve water and withstand extreme temperatures, making it an excellent example of plant adaptation.

The plant features small, cushion-like clusters of white to pale pink flowers that appear on slender, erect stems. These blossoms not only provide a delicate contrast to the stark desert surroundings but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. They attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance in these regions.

In addition to its ecological significance, the Desert pincushion is often admired for its aesthetic contributions to the otherwise monochromatic desert scenery. Its ability to bloom in adverse conditions serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and tenacity of life in some of the world’s most challenging habitats.

Common Names

Eng: esteve’s pincushion, broad-flower pincushion, desert pincushion, esteve pincushion
En: Desert pincushion, Esteve pincushion, Broad-flower pincushion, Steve’s dustymaiden, Esteve’s pincushion, Steve’s pincushion, Steve’s dusty maiden

Synonyms

• Chaenactis furcata (Stockw.)
• Chaenactis latifolia (Stockw.)
• Chaenactis brachypappa (A.Gray)
• Chaenactis gillespiei (Stockw.)
• Chaenactis mexicana (Stockw.)
• Chaenactis stevioides var. brachypappa (H.M.Hall)
• Chaenactis stevioides var. thornberi (Stockw.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 3, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 29, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Normal Dude (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Hannah Heart (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Hannah Heart (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/3114835)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:192264-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chaenactis stevioides Hook. & Arn.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth