Oreostemma peirsonii

Oreostemma peirsonii (formerly Aster peirsonii) is a species of aster known by the common names Peirson's aster and Peirson's mountaincrown.

Oreostemma peirsonii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae
Tribe:
Astereae
Genus:
Oreostemma
Species:
O. peirsonii
Binomial name
Oreostemma peirsonii
(Sharsm.) G.L.Nesom
Synonyms

Aster peirsonii

It is endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, especially around the area where Fresno, Tulare, and Inyo Counties meet. It is a plant of the alpine climate of the high mountain peaks.

Description

Oreostemma peirsonii is a small perennial herb growing from a caudex and taproot. It lies flat on the ground, growing no taller than about 8 centimeters. The leaves are located at the base of the plant and are linear in shape and narrow, growing a few centimeters long. The stem and leaves are mostly hairless and have scattered resin glands.

The inflorescence bears a single flower head lined with green or purplish phyllaries. The head contains many purple ray florets between 1 and 2 centimeters long around a center of yellow disc florets. The fruit is an achene.


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