Croptilon divaricatum (Nutt.) Raf. - Slender Scratchdaisy
Family - Asteraceae
Stems:
Upper stem.
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Involucre:
Flowers:
Flowering - August - October.
Habitat - Sandy fields, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste ground.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its densely pubescent stems, serrate, cuneate leaves, much-branched inflorescences, and small yellow flowers. The plants sandy, dry habitat is another clue to a proper identification.
The genus name Croptilon derives from the Greek "kropion" meaning "a scythe - a long curved cutting tool" and "ptil(o)" meaning "a feather, wing, down" perhaps referring to the curved, pinnately toothed leaves.
The species epithet divaricatum derives from the Latin "divaric(a)" meaning "spread apart" referring to the inflorescences.
A synonym is Haplopappus divaricatus (Nutt.) Gray
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 9-12-05.