Flaveria bidentis
coastal plain yellowtops
erect.
petiolate (proximal, petioles 3–15 mm) or sessile (distal);
blades lanceolate-elliptic, 50–120(–180) × 10–25(–70) mm, bases (distal) connate, margins serrate or spinulose serrate.
oblong-angular, 5 mm.
0 or 1;
laminae pale yellow, ovate-oblique, to 1 mm (not or barely surpassing phyllaries).
(2–)3–8;
corolla tubes ca. 0.8 mm, throats funnelform, 0.8 mm.
3(–4), oblong.
of 1–2 linear bractlets 1–2 mm.
20–100+ in tight subglomerules in scorpioid, cymiform arrays.
oblanceolate or subclavate, 2–2.5 mm (those of ray florets longer);
pappi 0.
= 36.
Flaveria bidentis
In the United States, Flaveria bidentis often occurs on ballast and waste ground near wharfs and the shore, locations that suggest its introduction from sailing vessels. The species is widespread and well established in South America, where it is thought to be native. Its floral structure appears to be the least advanced among the annual species of Flaveria, the heads being in somewhat scorpioid arrays. Distinguishing characteristics are 3(–4) phyllaries, 2–8 florets per head, reduced ray corollas, pubescent stems, and lanceolate-elliptic, bluish green, sometimes pubescent leaves. Flaveria bidentis is probably most closely related to F. campestris and F. trinervia.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
WildflowerSearch
iNaturalist
USDA Plants Database
