Flowering Season: December to June following summer and winter rainfall.
Elevation: Below 4,600 feet (1,400 m)
Habitat Preferences: Dry rocky slopes, washes, among boulders, desert scrubs; soil types granite, limestone, sandstones and volcanics; Creosote (Larrea) bush communities.
Recorded Range:Peucephyllum schottii is found in the southwestern United States in AZ, CA, NV, UT with the largest populations in CA, NV, AZ and with populations in the extreme southwest corner of UT. Schott's Pygmycedar is also native to the north half of Baja California and small populations in northwest Mexico (Sonora).
Genus Information: In North America there is 1 species and 1 accepted taxa overall for Peucephyllum. World wide, The Plant List includes 1 accepted species names and includes a further 1 infraspecific rank for the genus.
In the United States there is 1 monotypic genus, Peucephyllum containing the species Peucephyllum schottii.
Comments:Peucephyllum schottii is a large shrub or small tree that looks like a pine-tree, an interesting growth form for a desert species and member of the Asteraceae family in which most species by far are annuals and perennialsherbs.
Importance to Wildlife, Birds and Livestock
Schott's Pygmycedar, Peucephyllum schottii yellow disc tubular flowers, and their seeds and plants may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents and granivorous birds in search of food, nectar, shelter and protection through cover.
Schott's Pygmycedar, Peucephyllum schottii flowers, and their seeds and plants may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents and granivorous birds in search of nectar or food.
Etymology:
The genus “Peucephyllum” is from the Greek peuke, pine or fir, and phyllon, leaf.
Etymology: Peuccephyllum is from the Greek “peuke,” pine or fir, and “phyllon,” leaf; schottii honors Arthur Carl Victor Schott (1814-1875), one of the naturalists of the Mexican Boundary Survey.
