Monoptilon bellioides - Desert Star : Wildflowers West

XMonoptilon bellioides - Desert StarX

Desert Star -or- Mojave Desert Star -or- Bristly Desert Star, (Monoptilon bellioides), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower)

One of only two species in this genus, Monoptilon bellioides, was just beginning it's season when we found it. The flower was fresh as could be and very lovely indeed. There are no recorded Native American uses of the plant. The other species in this genus is Monoptilon bellidiforme, known as Daisy Desert Star. Also with no recorded Native American uses.

Flower
Plant location: Death Valley National Park - California - February 16, 2017

Found only in areas of Arizona, California, and Nevada. See the BONAP distribution map, here. It is native to stony and sandy plains in the Mojave Desert of California and the Sonoran Deserts of the Southwestern United States northwestern Mexico. It is and is very common in the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the desert.Plant
Bloom season: Generous bloom season - January through May.

Foliage
Death Valley National Park - California - February 16, 2017

Our sighting of Desert Star came very early in the season. Note the compact growth as of yet, as displayed with our technical measuring device - a pen.
Death Valley National Park - California - February 16, 2017

Macro of phyllary: the involucral bract of the Compositae (Asteraceae). Phyllary margins proximally with sharply delimited, white-scarious portions, lacerate-ciliate at base. PER Flora of North America. See the complete botanic key, here.
Death Valley National Park - California - February 16, 2017

The reddish stems are an identifying characteristic of the species.