SafePlants

Chaetadelpha wheeleri: Wheeler's Skeletonweed

Chaetadelpha wheeleri, commonly known as Wheeler's skeletonweed, is a unique plant found in the dandelion family (Asteraceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chaetadelpha wheeleri A. Gray ex S. Watson
• Common Name: Wheeler's skeletonweed
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: (None explicitly provided, but the text implies "Skeletonweed" is sometimes used loosely)

Distribution and Habitat

• Wheeler's skeletonweed grows in sandy to silty soil.
• It is found in desert dunes and Mojave regions.
• The plant grows in the Great Basin scrub.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant has a brushy growth habit.
• Skeletonweed gets its common name from the skeleton-like appearance of its stems.
• It is a perennial rhizomatous herb.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) as an invasive plant in the western United States. While not the same as Wheeler's skeletonweed, its presence is noted in proximity.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text references research on the rush skeleton weed gall midge, Cystiphora schmidti, used for biological control of the invasive rush skeletonweed.
• References mention fungal pathogens (Puccinia chondrillina) as a means of controlling skeleton weed.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chaetadelpha wheeleri.
• CalPhotos provides images of Chaetadelpha wheeleri.
• USDA resources are available.