Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Parralena, Fiveneedle Pricklyleaf, Five-needle Fetid Marigold
  • Synonyms: Dyssodia pentachaeta, Hymenatherum pentachaetum with 4 varieties
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower)
  • Genus Information: 2 species in NV, 1 in CA, 8 in US

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: herb/forb
  • Shape: Forms a mounding shape and can spread to create a mat-like appearance
  • Size: 8 inch (20 cm)
  • Stem: woody

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape: linear, needle-like
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: opposite and pinnately divided leaves
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: yellow
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals: many
  • Bloom: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
  • Fruit: achene/cypsela

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sunlight
  • Soil: sand, gravel, or limestone
  • Habitat: Open deserts and arid, rocky plains

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
  • Seen: Calico Basin, LV
  • Elevation: 2500-6000 ft (800-1800 m)

Photographs

Parralena (Thymophylla pentachaeta)

Calico Basin, LV

Parralena (Thymophylla pentachaeta)

Calico Basin, LV

Parralena (Thymophylla pentachaeta)

Calico Basin, LV

Parralena (Thymophylla pentachaeta)

Corn Creek (4/25)