XDwarf Golden Aster (Heterotheca pumila)X
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Dwarf Golden Aster (Heterotheca pumila), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower)
This low to the ground species is commonly called a dwarf but the blooms are large enough to attract plenty of attention, low they may be. The plants tend to grow in groupings making a delightful show. According to the USDA plant database there are about 20 species in the genus Heterotheca. This one is found in only two of the United States - Colorado and Wyoming. The excellent website by Al Schneider - Southwest Colorado Wildflowers - has an interesting discourse on Heterotheca here.
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Plant location: Found on Boreas Pass Colorado on September 14, 2008.Plant -
Bloom season: A long time to enjoy these bright beauties. They bloom from late spring through fall.
FunFacts: Bloom periods are mostly about attracting pollinators. The plant family that this species belongs to (Asteraceae) is considered to be highly evolved in the plant kingdom. For one, the complex flower heads both attract and provide 'landing platforms' for pollinators. Also, many species in this family offer a 'double payoff' to their visitors, both pollen AND nectar.
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Boreas Pass Colorado - September 14, 2008
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Boreas Pass Colorado - September 14, 2008
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Boreas Pass Colorado - September 14, 2008
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