Status: Native
Synonyms:
Centaurea americana Nuttall
Plectocephalus americanus looks much like its more upper-elevation relative Plectocephalus rothrockii. The major difference, besides habitat, is in the phyllaries. The phyllaries of P. americanus are straw-colored distally, with 4-8 pairs of hair-like appendages. The phyllaries of P. rothrockii are dark brown distally, with 9-15 pairs of hair-like appendages on each phyllary. P. americanus prefers more arid lower elevation habitats.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Plectocephalus americanus, photo Radha Veach, Grant County, near Gila, July 1, 2026
Plectocephalus americanus, phyllaries, photo Radha Veach, Grant County, near Gila, July 1, 2026
Plectocephalus americanus, inflorescence, photo Radha Veach, Grant County, near Gila, July 1, 2026
Plectocephalus americanus, foliage, photo Radha Veach, Grant County, near Gila, July 1, 2026
Plectocephalus americanus, phyllaries, photo Radha Veach, Grant County, near Gila, July 1, 2026
Plectocephalus americanus, upper part of plants, photo Radha Veach, Grant County, near Gila, July 1, 2026
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