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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Achyrachaena mollis (Blow wives)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Achyrachaena mollis Schauer

Blow wives

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: ACMO2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The annual herb Achyrachaena mollis grows to approximately one foot in height on a strong, straight stem. Atop the stem is a large, rounded bud which opens into a spherical cluster of flowers. The actual flowers are small and yellow and nearly invisible behind the showy fruits, which extend shiny bright white scales which look like long rectangular flower petals. These silky white scales catch the wind, which allows the single-seeded fruits to be dispersed.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: CA , OR
Native Habitat: The plant is common in low-elevation hills and grasslands all over California, and into southern Oregon and northern Baja California.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Achyrachaena mollis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Achyrachaena mollis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Achyrachaena mollis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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