Family: Asteraceae
Author: (Nutt.) Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., ser. 2, 7: 334 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Stenotus
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. U.S.A.
Description
The Stemless Goldenweed, scientifically known as Stenotus acaulis, is a captivating plant native to the western regions of the United States. This perennial herb is a member of the Asteraceae family, a large and diverse family of flowering plants known commonly as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family.
Described in 1840 in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society by botanist Thomas Nuttall, this plant bears his name both as the original author and as the authority in its botanical nomenclature.
Stenotus acaulis is noteworthy for its delicate, ground-hugging growth habit, which is reflected in its common name. The term “stemless” refers to its tendency to grow without a noticeable stem above ground, producing its vibrant yellow flowers close to the earth’s surface. This characteristic not only helps conserve moisture in the arid environments it inhabits but also provides a stunning display of color across the landscape.
Often found in rocky soils and alpine meadows, the Stemless Goldenweed thrives in environments that challenge many other plant species. Its blossoms are not just beautiful but also play an important role in the local ecosystem, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators.
The plant’s leaves are typically linear to lance-shaped, forming a dense rosette at the base. This compact growth helps the plant withstand harsh weather conditions, a common feature of its native habitat. The bright yellow flowers are daisy-like, with numerous ray florets surrounding a central cluster of disc florets, characteristic of many members of the Asteraceae family.
Given its resilience and low growth form, Stenotus acaulis is an excellent example of the adaptation of flowering plants to rugged terrains. Gardeners and native plant enthusiasts often seek this plant for its hardiness and its ability to add a splash of color to rock gardens and naturalistic plantings.
In conclusion, the Stemless Goldenweed, Stenotus acaulis, is a remarkable and robust species that exemplifies the beauty and resilience of native flora. Its stunning yellow flowers, compact growth, and adaptability make it a fascinating subject of study and appreciation for botanists and nature lovers alike.
Common Names
Eng: stemless goldenweed, stemless mock goldenweed
En: Stemless goldenweed, Stemless mock goldenweed
Synonyms
- Haplopappus acaulis subsp. typicus (H.M.Hall)
- Haplopappus acaulis subsp. glabratus ((D.C.Eaton) H.M.Hall)
- Haplopappus acaulis var. glabratus (D.C.Eaton)
- Stenotus acaulis var. glabratus ((D.C.Eaton) Kartesz & Gandhi)
- Stenotus acaulis var. kennedyi (Jeps.)
- Hoorebekia acaulis (M.E.Jones)
- Haplopappus acaulis var. atwoodii (S.L.Welsh)
- Haplopappus acaulis ((Nutt.) A.Gray)
- Stenotus caespitosus ((Nutt.) Nutt.)
- Chrysopsis acaulis (Nutt.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 21, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 11, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2009 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 21, 2009 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 21, 2009 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Apr 21, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 21, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 21, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 24, 2010 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5402043)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:251142-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stenotus acaulis (Nutt.) Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 3.7
