Toothleaf (Viguiera dentata, Syst. Veg. 3: 615 (1826))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Cav.) Spreng.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 3: 615 (1826)

Year: 1826

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viguiera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Arizona to Texas and Honduras

Description

Viguiera dentata, commonly known as Toothleaf, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This vibrant plant can be found spanning a broad geographical range, from the arid regions of Arizona and Texas in the United States to the lush environments of Honduras. First described in 1826, Toothleaf carries the scientific legacy as denoted in ‘Syst. Veg. 3: 615,’ attributed to the work of the botanist (Cav.) Spreng.

The typical habitats of Viguiera dentata reflect its adaptability and resilience, thriving in diverse climates and conditions across North and Central America. Its presence in these regions highlights its importance within local ecosystems, contributing to the floral diversity and providing habitats for various pollinators.

Characterized by its distinctive toothed leaves, which likely contribute to its common name, Toothleaf stands out due to its robust and bright yellow blooms. These flowers not only add a splash of color to their surroundings but also play an essential role in supporting the local wildlife, especially bees and other insects that are crucial for pollination.

In horticulture and natural landscaping, Viguiera dentata is appreciated for its hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements. Gardeners and landscapers might favor it for its aesthetic appeal and the ecological benefits it offers, promoting biodiversity and supporting pollinator populations in garden settings.

Overall, Toothleaf is a plant of both beauty and ecological significance, well-suited to a variety of environments and cherished for its bright presence and enduring nature. Its broad distribution from the southwestern United States to Central America attests to its adaptability and vital role in the biodiversity of these regions.

Common Names

Eng: sunflower goldeneye, toothleaf, toothleaf goldeneye
En: Toothleaf, Sunflower goldeneye, Toothleaf goldeneye

Synonyms

• Helianthus dentatus (Cav.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Belize (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Ignacio Forteza Saavedra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Enciso Emmanuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Karen Salas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Rezende Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2022 by Ruiz carlos alfredo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 4, 2019 by Alarcón Favián (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by kristian binar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2016 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2016 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Joshua Renfro (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 17, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 21, 2013 by EOL − Kenneth Bader (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Alfredo Eloisa (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2014 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by jeanne (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/5389737)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:259782-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viguiera dentata (Cav.) Spreng.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb, Subshrub

Growth