Small wirelettuce (Stephanomeria exigua, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., ser. 2, 7: 428 (1841))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., ser. 2, 7: 428 (1841)

Year: 1841

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stephanomeria

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & WC. U.S.A. to N. Mexico

Description

Small wirelettuce, scientifically known as Stephanomeria exigua, is a delicate yet resilient species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant was first described and documented by the renowned botanist Nuttall in 1841, as recounted in the “Transactions of the American Philosophical Society.”

This perennial herbaceous plant has carved out a niche in the ecosystem of the western and west-central United States, extending its presence into northern Mexico. Its adaptability to various environmental conditions within these regions showcases its hardy nature.

Stephanomeria exigua is characterized by its thin, wire-like stems from which it derives its common name. The foliage is typically sparse and narrow, while the flowers exhibit a subtle beauty with their small, white to pale pink ray florets. Despite their modest size, these blossoms contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the areas they inhabit, supporting local pollinators and other wildlife.

As an integral part of its native flora, Small wirelettuce plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, withstanding harsh climates and contributing to the ecological balance. Understanding and appreciating species like Stephanomeria exigua not only enriches our natural knowledge but also aids in the conservation of the diverse plant life that sustains our environment.

Common Names

Eng: small wirelettuce
En: Small wirelettuce

Synonyms

• Ptiloria exigua ((Nutt.) Greene)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by giovanna gi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Deanna Tartaglia (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 29, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 7, 2011 by EOL − Jim Morefield (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3141084)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:245080-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stephanomeria exigua Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth