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chaffhead

Scientific Name: Carphephorus

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Chaffheads (Carphephorus)

The genus Carphephorus is commonly known as chaffheads. This group belongs to the Asteraceae (Aster) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant description mentions sharp leaves, which may pose a risk of cuts or scratches if handled by pets.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Genus: Carphephorus
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
  • There are seven species within the Carphephorus genus.

Species Details

Carphephorus paniculatus (Hairy Chaffhead)
  • Common Name: Hairy Chaffhead, also known as Deertongue
  • Synonym: Trilisa paniculata
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native Status: Native
Carphephorus corymbosus (Coastal Plain Chaffhead)
  • Common Name: Coastal Plain Chaffhead, Paint Brush
Carphephorus carnosus (Pineland Chaffhead)
  • Common Name: Pineland Chaffhead
Carphephorus bellidifolius (Sandywoods Chaffhead)
  • Common Name: Sandywoods Chaffhead

Distribution and Habitat

  • Carphephorus species are native to the southeastern United States.
  • Carphephorus paniculatus is found in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
  • Common in xeric woodlands in the Sandhills of North Carolina.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Carphephorus paniculatus (Hairy Chaffhead) is tall (up to 3ft).
  • Coastalplain Chaffhead can reach 100cm in height.
  • Basal rosette leaves of Coastal Plain Chaffhead are spatulate to narrowly spatulate, to 15 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, heads large.

Ecological Role

  • Hairy Chaffhead is attractive to butterflies.
  • Bristleleaf Chaffhead blooms at the same time as Liatris and in the same habitat.

Quirky Facts

  • "Car-bel" is a nickname sometimes used among botanists for Sandhill Chaffhead (Carphephorus corymbosus), derived from its scientific name.
  • Hairy Chaffhead is also known as Deertongue because its leaves resemble the tongue of a White-tailed Deer.

Further Information

  • Specimen details for Carphephorus paniculatus can be viewed in the USF Herbarium.