Leaves: Green; lower basal leaves are long and narrow, few leaves with ½ inch (1.3 cm) horizontal segments.
Flower Color: Light yellow; single (solitary) flower heads; flowering stalk without leaves; florets, ligulate flowers only; bracts surrounding flower heads narrowly lance-shaped (lanceolate); note in photo above, flowers “petals” barely extend beyond bracts; fruit is a cypsela with a pappus of 5 pointed silver scales as shown in the photo above.
Flowering Season: March to May or June
Elevation: Up to 5,000 feet (127 m)
Habitat Preferences: Various; mesas, plains, grasslands, chaparral, deserts and sandy desert flats; prefers well drained soils, rocky sites, disturbed areas and roadsides.
Recorded Range: Southwestern and western United States and British Columbia. Also native to northern Baja California and northern Mexico.
North America & US County Distribution Map for Uropappus lindleyi. as Microseris lindleyi.
North America species range map for Uropappus lindleyi:
Click image for full size map
Genus Information: In North America, according to the USDA, there are no species for Uropappus; classified as Microseris of which they list 14 species and 14 accepted taxa overall for Microseris. Worldwide, The Plant List includes 3 accepted species names and a further 12 scientific names of infraspecific rank for Uropappus.
the genus Uropappus was recently reclassified from Microseris, which is still in use by some authorities.
In the Southwestern United States there is 1 species of Uropappus. Data approximate and subject to revision.
Comments: Lindley’s Silverpuffs has a distinctive seed head with a 5 pointed silver wing pappus. The seed heads are well adapted for wind-blown seed dispersal. Uropappus (=Microseris) linearifolia was treated as a separate species but recently combined with Uropappus lindleyi.
Both the genus Uropappus and Microseris are collectively known as “Silverpuffs” because of their similar fluffy silvery seed heads. The genus Microseris is still in use by some authorities.
Importance to Wildlife, Birds and Livestock
Lindley's Silverpuffs, Uropappus lindleyi, showy yellow flowers, seeds and plants may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents and granivorous birds in search of nectar or food
Beneficial Value to Butterflies, Bees and Insects
Lindley's Silverpuffs, Uropappus lindleyi, showy yellow flowers and plants may be visited by butterflies, moths and other insects in search of food and nectar.
Etymology:
The genus “Uropappus” (Uropap'pus:) with the pappus having a long tail-like dip.
