SafePlants

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

• This plant produces seeds, which are small parts that could be a potential choking hazard, especially for smaller pets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces seeds, which are small parts that could be a potential choking hazard for small children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dicoria canescens A. Gray
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
• Synonym: Dicoria brandegeei Gray
• Subspecies: Dicoria canescens subsp. brandegeei (A. Gray) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined., Dicoria canescens ssp. hispidula, Dicoria canescens ssp. wetherillii

Distribution and Habitat

• Dicoria canescens is found in deep sandy washes or along river flood plains with deep, fine soil.
• Its range includes the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and the Mojave Desert.
• It can be found in alkaline soils, desert washes, and flats at elevations ranging from -20 to 1700 meters.
• Specific locations include Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Mexico (Baja California, Sonora).

Morphology and Growth Habit

• Dicoria canescens is an annual forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Ecological Role

• Dicoria canescens is associated with dune species and can be found in areas with blowout grass, rosemary-mint, mule ears, and scurfpea.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is sometimes covered with non-woven fabric when minimum night-time temperatures are very harsh.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dicoria canescens.
• CalPhotos provides images of Dicoria canescens.