SafePlants

Chaenactis douglasii: Douglas' Dustymaiden

This plant goes by several common names, including Douglas' dustymaiden, Douglas dustymaiden, dusty maiden, bighead dustymaiden, large-flower pincushion, bighead pincushion, Pebble Pincushion, and Yellow pincushion.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant later forms a seed head that resembles a dandelion but is distinctly larger, potentially posing a choking hazard for small animals.
• The plant has a highly branched stem that can grow up to two feet tall.

Considerations for Children

• The plant later forms a seed head that resembles a dandelion but is distinctly larger, potentially posing a choking hazard for small children.
• The plant has a highly branched stem that can grow up to two feet tall.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chaenactis douglasii
• Family: Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
• Synonyms: Chaenactis macrantha D.C. Eaton (showy dusty-maiden)

Distribution and Habitat

• Chaenactis douglasii is described as native.
• It's also mentioned as an Alpine dusty maiden.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is described as a perennial taprooted herb.
• The plant has daisy-like flowers with white, pink, or purple petals and a large yellow center.
• Flowers are discoid, white to cream disk flowers, perfect 1" (2.54 cm) wide flower heads. The flower head appears to be a single flower, but is composed of several.
• The flower heads can be single to many, each on separate stalks.
• Disk flowers grow in a glandular cup, white to pinkish, with anthers extending above the head.
• The plant has a highly branched stem up to two feet tall.
• Later the plant forms a seed head that resembles a dandelion but is distinctly larger.

Ecological Role

• Douglas' dustymaiden can be used as part of a native forb component in wildland.

Quirky Facts

• The text includes a reference to a "Cannibal King with a big nose ring" who fell in love with a dusty maiden, suggesting the name may have some folkloric association.