Grassland agoseris (Agoseris grandiflora, Pittonia 2(10): 178 (1891))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Nutt.) Greene

Bibliography: Pittonia 2(10): 178 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Agoseris

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A.

Description

Grassland agoseris, scientifically known as Agoseris grandiflora, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family, known for its distinctive botanical features and significance within its natural habitat. First described in scholarly literature in 1891, this plant has since garnered attention for its unique adaptations and striking appearance.

Residing predominantly in the western regions of the United States, grassland agoseris is a perennial herb that thrives in open grasslands and meadows. Its striking flowers, typically characterized by a rich yellow hue, can grow quite large, attracting various pollinators essential for maintaining the ecosystem’s biodiversity. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of the plant.

Grassland agoseris exhibits a basal rosette of leaves, from which its flowering stems emerge. The leaves themselves are often lance-shaped, with a somewhat woolly texture, providing a subtle but noticeable contrast to the vibrant flowers. This foliage arrangement helps the plant maximize photosynthesis while minimizing competition for sunlight among neighboring flora.

In terms of botanical nomenclature, the plant’s designation Agoseris grandiflora reflects its significant floral features, with “grandiflora” indicating large flowers. The genus name “Agoseris” places it among a group of plants known for their dandelion-like structures, yet grassland agoseris stands apart with its larger, more prominent blooms.

Grassland agoseris plays a vital role in its native habitats. It contributes to soil stability with its root system and serves as a resource for wildlife. Pollinators, particularly various species of bees, are frequent visitors to the flowers, facilitating cross-pollination and ensuring genetic diversity within the population.

Overall, Agoseris grandiflora is a plant of considerable ecological and botanical interest. Its presence in the western United States grasslands highlights the rich diversity of flora in these regions, and it remains a subject of study for botanists and ecologists aiming to understand the complexities of plant life in grassland ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: puget sound agoseris, bigflower agoseris, grassland agoseris, large-flowered agoseris, big-flowered agoseris, large-flowered false-dandelion, large-flowered goat-chicory
Fra: agoséride grandiflore
En: Grassland agoseris, Bigflower agoseris, Shortbeak agoseris, Puget sound agoseris, Large-flowered agoseris, Big-flowered agoseris, Large-flowered false-dandelion, Large-flowered goat-chicory
Fr: Agoséride grandiflore

Synonyms

• Macrorhynchus grandiflorus ((Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Troximon grandiflorum ((Nutt.) A.Gray)
• Stylopappus grandiflorus (Nutt.)

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Paityn Wheeler-Savoie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 18, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by amer (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 18, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2009 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 18, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 20, 2010 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 23, 2013 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 18, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-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/3092909)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:7240-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agoseris grandiflora (Nutt.) Greene)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.3

Ph minimum: 5.8