Learn More Details About This Plant

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: mojave desertstar, desert star
  • Synonyms:
  • Family: asteraceae
  • Genus Information: CA 2, NV 2, AZ 2, UT 1

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual herb
  • Habit: prostrate to spreading
  • Shape: flat-topped / tufted
  • Size: 1–5 cm tall, up to 15 cm wide
  • Stem: very short, branched from the base, covered in stiff hairs

Leaves

  • Color: gray-green
  • Shape: linear to spatulate
  • Edge: entire
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: annual

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: hermaphroditic
  • Flower Color: white to pinkish rays with yellow centers
  • Flower Size: 1.5–2.0 cm diameter
  • Number of Petals: 10–20 ray flowers
  • Bloom: January–May
  • Fruit: cypsela (achene)

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: sandy or gravelly desert flats
  • Habitat: creosote bush scrub, sandy washes

Distribution

  • Distribution: CA, NV, AZ, UT, and northwestern mexico
  • Seen: Death Valley
  • Elevation: 200–3000 feet (60–900 meters)

Gallery

Monoptilon bellioides

Death Valley

Monoptilon bellioides

Death Valley

Monoptilon bellioides

Death Valley

Monoptilon bellioides

Death Valley