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ballhead sandwort

Scientific Name: Arenaria congesta var. simulans

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Ballhead Sandwort (Arenaria congesta)

Arenaria congesta, commonly known as ballhead sandwort, is a flowering plant belonging to the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). It is also referred to as capitate sandwort.

Considerations for Pets

  • The leaves are described as linear, needle-like, and with a sharp point.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaves are described as linear, needle-like, and with a sharp point.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arenaria congesta Nutt.
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
  • Synonym: Eremogone congesta (Nuttall) Ikonnikov
  • Varieties:
    • Arenaria congesta var. congesta
    • Arenaria congesta var. suffrutescens
    • Eremogone congesta var. cephaloidea (sharptip sandwort)
  • The genus classification has changed from Arenaria (JM93) to Eremogone (TJM2).
  • USDA Symbol: ARCO5

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America.
  • Common and widespread in the sagebrush steppe of southern Idaho and Montana.
  • Found from foothills to subalpine zones.
  • Grows in woodlands, openings, steppe, meadow, and open forest habitats.
  • Enjoys growing in steppe, meadow, and open forest habitats from valleys to occasionally subalpine zones.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial plant, typically 4-12 inches in height.
  • Forms a cushion-like, small, and green structure.
  • Stems have 2-3 pairs of small leaves.
  • Leaves are linear, needle-like, with a sharp point, and 1/2-3 inches long.

Other Relevant Information

  • Gosiute people used it as a bowel medicine for gastrointestinal aid.
  • Drought tolerant.
  • Can bear very harsh temperatures without any problems, even many degrees below zero.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life: Discover Life (biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution)
  • CalPhotos: CalPhotos