Psathyrotopsis scaposa
(Naked Turtleback)
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park 4943
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park 4929
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park 4948
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Cerro Castellan, Big Bend National Park 1487
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Cerro Castellan, Big Bend National Park 1490
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Cerro Castellan, Big Bend National Park 1493
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Cerro Castellan, Big Bend National Park 1481
Psathyrotopsis scaposa, Cerro Castellan, Big Bend National Park 1484
| Scientific Name | Psathyrotopis scaposa | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PSSC14 |
| Common Name | Naked Turtleback, Naked Brittlestem | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 780485 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Calcareous soils in creosote-bush scrublands 2,300 to 4,200 ft in Big Bend region and a small portion of New Mexico. Plant: Short annual, 8-15 inches tall. Leaves: Ovate or triangular-shaped basal leaves on petioles; scalloped edges and wrinkled, somewhat hairy surfaces. Inflorescence: Several rayless flowerheads on each stem, each with numerous very small 5-petal white florets that resemble Hymenopappus scabiosaeus (Old Plainsman). Bloom Period: Spring to fall after rains. References: “Little Big Bend” by Roy Morey and American Southwest. Note: These images were taken at Lost Mine Trail and next to Cerro Castellan, both in igneous environments without much in the way of calcacreous soils. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024