Family – Asteraceae
Stems:
Lower stem.
Leaves:
Basal leaves.
Portion of leaf blade.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Involucre:
Flowers:
Flowering – June – November.
Habitat – Sandy woods, sandhills, scrub, pine woods, old fields, roadsides.
Origin – Native to North America.
Other information – This species can be found scattered throughout most of Alabama.
The genus Pityopsis is fairly easy to identify in the field becasue of the silvery hairs found on the plants. Individual species are much more difficult to differentiate. The width and length of the basal and cauline leaves varies amongst species but the plant have the same general look. When not in flower, plants can easily be mistaken for some type of grass by the casual observer.
Three varieties of P. graminifolia occur in our area. They will not be discussed here.
The genus name Pityopsis derives from the Greek “pity” meaning “pine, fir” and “opsi(s)” meaning “appearance, sight, late” possibly in reference to the habitat and flowering time of the plants.
The species epithet graminifolia derives from Latin “gram(in)” meaning “grass” and “foli” meaning “a leaf” referring to the grass-like leaves of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Conecuh National Forest, AL., 10-23-04.