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desert twinbugs

Scientific Name: Dicoria canescens ssp. canescens

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Dicoria canescens - Desert Twinbugs

Dicoria canescens is a North American flowering plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is commonly known as desert twinbugs and bugseed.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces seeds, which could be a choking hazard, especially for smaller animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dicoria canescens A. Gray
  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
  • Synonym: Dicoria brandegeei Gray
  • Dicoria canescens subsp. brandegeei (A. Gray) Kartesz

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dicoria canescens is found in North America, specifically in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Mexico (Baja California, Sonora).
  • It typically grows in deep, sandy washes or along river flood plains with deep, fine soil, and alkaline soils.
  • It can be found at elevations ranging from -20 to 1700 meters.

Morphology and Growth Habit

  • Dicoria canescens is described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • It is an annual plant, completing its life cycle in one year.

Ecological Role

  • It is associated with dune ecosystems, growing alongside other species such as blowout grass, rosemary-mint, mule ears, and scurfpea.
  • It provides habitat for desert mule deer, especially in areas where mitigation efforts are in place.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It serves as a food source or habitat for desert pocket mice.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "twinbugs" likely refers to the plant's seed structure or appearance.

Additional Information

  • Further information, including biological details, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution, can be found on Discover Life's website.
  • Photos and other information can be found on CalPhotos.