Oreostemma peirsonii (formerly Aster peirsonii) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names Peirson's aster and Peirson's mountaincrown.
| Oreostemma peirsonii | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Oreostemma |
| Species: | O. peirsonii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oreostemma peirsonii (Sharsm.) G.L.Nesom
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Aster peirsonii | |
It is endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, especially around the area where Fresno, Tulare, and Inyo Counties meet. It is a plant of the alpine climate of the high mountain peaks.
Description
editOreostemma peirsonii is a small perennial herb growing from a caudex and taproot. It lies flat on the ground, growing no taller than about 8 centimeters. The leaves are located at the base of the plant and are linear in shape and narrow, growing a few centimeters long. The stem and leaves are mostly hairless and have scattered resin glands.
The inflorescence bears a single flower head lined with green or purplish phyllaries. The head contains many purple ray florets between 1 and 2 centimeters long around a center of yellow disc florets. The fruit is an achene.
External links
edit- Jepson Manual Treatment: Oreostemma peirsonii
- USDA Plants Profile
- Flora of North America
- Oreostemma peirsonii — U.C. Photo gallery
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