Growth Form:Forb/herb; very low growing from branching woody caudex; generally stemless or very short stems, both the leaves and large white flowers originate from the caudex; plants hairy or hairless.
Leaves: Green, gray-green; leaves situated at the base of the plant (basal); leaves narrow, linear or spatulate; leaves with short soft hairs (pubescent).
Flowering Season: March or April to June, August or later
Elevation: 4,500 to 7,500 feet (1,372-2,300 m) or higher
Habitat Preferences: Higher elevations, dry mesas, sandy soils, meadows, gravelly hills, open slopes; pinyon-juniper, openings in pine forests.
Recorded Range: Western ¾ of Canada, (Alberta to Manitoba); south through ID, MT, ND, south to NV, AZ, NM and TX; south to northern Mexico (Sonora and Chihuahua).
U.S. Weed Information: Unknown
U.S. Wetland Indicator: Unknown
U.S. Threatened/Endangered Information: Unknown
U.S. Invasive/Noxious Weed Information: Unknown
Genus Information: In North America there are 26 species for Townsendia. Worldwide, The Plant List includes 26 accepted species names and a further 25 scientific names of infraspecific rank for Townsendia.
The genus Townsendia was published in 1834 by William Jackson Hooker, (1785-1865)
In the Southwestern United States: Arizona and Nevada each have 7 species of Townsendia, California has 4 species, New Mexico has 10 species, Texas has 3 species, Utah has 12 species. Data approximate, subject to revision.
Comments: The genus Townsendia is a genus whose members are commonly known as Townsend Daisies and they are native only to western North America, generally at higher elevations.
Importance to Wildlife, Birds and Livestock
Stemless Townsend Daisy, Townsendia exscapa has attractive showy daisy-type flowers, the flowers and their seeds may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents and granivorous birds in search of nectar or food.
Beneficial Value to Butterflies, Honey Bees and Insects
Stemless Townsend Daisy, Townsendia exscapa has attractive showy daisy-type flowers, the flowers and their plants may be visited by butterflies, moths, flies, honeybees, Native Bees and other insects in search of food and nectar.
Etymology:
The genus “Townsendia” (Townsend'ia:) is named for David Townsend (1787-1858), amateur botanist.
The genus Townsendia was published in 1834 by William Jackson Hooker, (1785-1865)
The genus Townsendia is commonly known as Townsend Daisies and native only to western North America, generally at higher elevations.
The species epithet “exscapa” means "ex" without and "scap" shaft, reference to seeming stem-less flowers.
Ethnobotany
Stemless Townsend Daisy is used for a multitude of purposes by southwestern United States indigenous peoples.
Blackfoot Drug, Veterinary Aid; Decoction of roots given to tired horses to relieve them.
Navajo Drug, Ceremonial Medicine; Chewed and spit upon ceremonial knots to unravel them, 'untying medicine.'
Navajo, Ramah Drug, Gynecological Aid; Plant chewed or infusion taken to ease delivery.
Navajo, Ramah Other, Ceremonial Items; Pollen shaken from a horned toad pollen to unraveler string and used in unraveling ceremony.
See complete listing of ethno-botanical uses at Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn.
