Size: Short stem, up to 4 inches (10 cm) more or less.
Growth Form: Skunktop is a forb/herb and the stems are very short and woody below, there is a taproot, rhizomes.
Leaves: Skunktop has green or silver-green leaves covered with short soft hairs, the leaves are gland dotted, palmatelycompound, the leaves have 5 to 9 leaflets.
Flower Color: Skunktop has blue, purple or red flowers, the fruit is a 1-seeded pod.
Recorded Range: Skunktop is a relatively rare plant in the United States with an unusual distribution in AZ, NV and UT. In Arizona it is found in the central, eastern and northwest portions; in Nevada it is found in the southeast and in Utah it is found in the extreme southwest corner.
Genus Information: In North America, USDA Plants Database lists 24 species for Pediomelum. Worldwide, World Flora Online includes 56 accepted species names and a further 13 scientific names of infraspecific rank for the genus.
The genus Pediomelum was published in in 1919 by Per Axel Rydberg, (1860-1931).
In the Southwestern United States: Arizona has 8 species of Pediomelum, California has 2 species, Nevada has 3 species, New Mexico has 7 species, Texas has 12 species, Utah has 4 species. Data approximate, subject to revision.
Comments: Skunktop is not a common plant and often observed as individual specimens.
The type of variety retrosa was collected at Peach Springs, Mohave County in 1884. This particular variety has larger leaflets and flora parts.
Importance to Wildlife, Birds and Livestock
Skunktop, Pediomelum mephiticum has attractive 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
Skunktop, Pediomelum mephiticum has attractive 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 “Pediomelum” (Pedio'melum:) is from the Greek for "plain apple." The genus Pediomelum was published by Per Axel Rydberg in 1919.
The genus Pediomelum was published in in 1919 by Per Axel Rydberg, (1860-1931).
The species epithet “mephiticum” (mephit'icum:) from the Latin mephitis, meaning "bad odor," the common name of this taxon being 'Skunktop'.
