SafePlants

Calycadenia pauciflora: Smallflower Western Rosinweed

Calycadenia pauciflora is a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is commonly known as smallflower western rosinweed. Other common names include Fremont's calycadenia, Fremont's western rosinweed, and Soft western rosinweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calycadenia pauciflora A. Gray
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
• Synonym: The text mentions that Calocalanus is a synonym for Calycadenia pauciflora, which is incorrect; Calocalanus is actually a genus of copepods (small crustaceans).

Distribution and Habitat

• Calycadenia pauciflora is described as endemic to northern regions.
• Specific locations mentioned include California, Nevada, and Yuba and Butte Counties.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is an annual forb/herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year and is a non-woody flowering plant.
• The text notes it has yellow flowers.

Ecological Role

• The plant is a component of tarweed communities, and is often found growing together with hayfield tarweed (Hemizonia congesta) and yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions research which studies the plant alongside other tarweeds to examine climate change.
• The plant has been observed as late as September 4th of the year.
• The plant's flowering time causes it to potentially interact with deerweed (Lotus scoparius) and Grindelia (Grindelia camporum).

Further Information

• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Calycadenia pauciflora.