Family: Asteraceae
Author: Hook. & Arn.
Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 354 (1839)
Year: 1839
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Chaenactis
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
The hoary pincushion, scientifically known as Chaenactis douglasii, is a captivating species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant was first documented in the seminal work “Bot. Beechey Voy.: 354” in 1839 by the renowned botanists William Jackson Hooker and George Arnott Walker-Arnott.
Thriving in the diverse landscapes of Western Canada and the Western and West-Central United States, the hoary pincushion is a resilient member of its genus. It often inhabits arid and semi-arid regions, showcasing an adaptability that allows it to flourish in various climatic conditions.
The plant gets its common name from its distinctive appearance. The “hoary” descriptor refers to the dense, white, woolly or hairy coating that often covers the stems and leaves, giving it a somewhat frosted look. The term “pincushion” is derived from the shape of its flower heads, which resemble soft, rounded cushions adorned with a multitude of fine, filamentous florets.
Despite its unassuming size, Chaenactis douglasii plays a significant role in its ecosystem. The flowers, typically blooming from late spring into summer, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. These interactions are crucial for the reproduction of many plant species and the overall health of their habitats.
The aesthetic charm and ecological importance of the hoary pincushion make it an interesting subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. It stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Asteraceae family and the intricate connections within natural ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: douglas dustymaiden, douglas’ dustymaiden, douglas’ pincushion, douglas’s dusty-maiden, dusty maiden, dusty-maiden, hoary pincushion, hoary false yarrow
Fra: chénacte de douglas
En: Hoary pincushion, Douglas’s dusty-maiden, Dusty-maiden, Douglas’ pincushion, Douglas Chaenactis, Douglas’ dustymaiden, Brides boquet, Douglas dustymaiden, Dusty maiden, False yarrow, Hoary chaenactis, Hoary false yarrow
Fr: Chénacte de Douglas
Synonyms
- Chaenactis achilleifolia var. douglasii ((Hook. & Arn.) A.Gray)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oregon (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Chris Kantarian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by v s (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:192230-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3114810)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chaenactis douglasii (Hook.) Hook. & Arn.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.8