Formerly Machaeranthera canescens. Native short-lived perennial with blue to purple flowers and yellow centers, blooming May to October. Early colonizer of degraded and disturbed sites in various types of arid communities, from low valley rangelands to higher mountain elevations; up to 10,500 ft. elevation. Common to the eastern Pacific Northwest. Competitive with cheatgrass and knapweeds. Habitat for many birds and mammals. Insect associations important for sage-grouse chicks. Varieties listed below.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Asteraceae

Duration: Perennial, short-lived

Growth Habit: Forb/herb

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: 

Mature Height: 6-30 in.

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Period: Late summer/early fall

Annual Precipitation: 8-60 in.

Drought Tolerance:

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation:

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance:

Fire Tolerance:

Nitrogen fixation:

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: No

Salinity Tolerance:

CaCO3 Tolerance:

pH Range: 6.0-8.4

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 1,300,000

Seeding Rate: PLS lbs/acre

Season: Spring/Fall

Days to Germination: