Slender scratchdaisy (Croptilon divaricatum, Fl. Tellur. 2: 47 (1837))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Nutt.) Raf.

Bibliography: Fl. Tellur. 2: 47 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Croptilon

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SE. U.S.A.

Description

The Slender scratchdaisy, scientifically known as Croptilon divaricatum, is an intriguing species within the Asteraceae family. This plant was first mentioned in the seminal botanical work “Flora Telluriana” in 1837, authored by renowned botanists Nuttall and Rafinesque.

Croptilon divaricatum is predominantly observed in the central and southeastern regions of the United States. Its geographical prevalence makes it a familiar sight in these areas, exhibiting its characteristic features and contributing to the local floral diversity.

Belonging to the rich and diverse Asteraceae family, the Slender scratchdaisy shares lineage with a large group of flowering plants known for their composite flower heads and significant ecological roles. This family is distinguished by its evolutionary complexity and adaptability, and Croptilon divaricatum is no exception.

The plant’s slender form is indicative of its common name, “Slender scratchdaisy,” hinting at its delicate yet resilient structure. Its daisy-like appearance, typical of many Asteraceae members, makes it an aesthetically appealing plant that might attract the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Not only does the Slender scratchdaisy enrich the biodiversity where it grows, but it also serves as an essential component of its ecosystem, supporting various pollinators and other wildlife.

Common Names

Eng: slender scratchdaisy
En: Slender scratchdaisy, GOLDENWEED

Synonyms

• Diplopappus divaricatus ((Nutt.) Hook.)
• Chrysopsis divaricata ((Nutt.) Elliott)
• Heterotheca lamarckii (DC.)
• Isopappus divaricatus ((Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Haplopappus divaricatus ((Nutt.) A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by brunhildethebonny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2012 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2012 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 23, 2012 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 13, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (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/3139628)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30136632-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Croptilon divaricatum (Nutt.) Raf.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.7