Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common names tansyleaf tansyaster and Tahoka daisy. It is native to northern Mexico and the southwestern and central United States, where it grows in several types of habitat. It is an annual or biennial herb growing one or more branching stems up to about 70 centimeters in maximum height. The multilobed leaves are up to 12 centimeters long. The flower cluster bears one or more flower heads lined with spreading or curling, pointed phyllaries. The head has a center of many yellow disc florets and a fringe of many lavender to purple ray florets each 1 to 2 centimeters long. The fruit is a flat achene about a centimeter long including the pappus.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

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Color

Purple

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Soil description

Prefers loamy soils.

Site type

Desert

Plant communities

Woodland

Bees
Butterflies