hole-in-the-sand plant

Nicolletia A.Gray

A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.

Nicolletia plants are small annual or perennial herbs, often with a pale, waxy cast. Their stems may stand upright or spread outward, branching from the base or higher up. The leaves are mostly alternate, although the lowest pairs can be opposite. Most blades divide into several narrow, bristle-tipped lobes. The genus commemorates explorer Jean Nicholas Nicollet, who surveyed country around the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Flora of North America: Nicolletia

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Botanical name

ITIS accepts Nicolletia A.Gray as a genus of Asteraceae. The supplied record is retained at genus rank. ITIS: Nicolletia

Recognizing the plant

Each solitary flower head combines fertile outer ray florets with a central group of tubular florets. The rays are whitish with pink or purple stripes; central flowers vary from yellow to purple or whitish. Oil glands occur on the leaves and on bracts around the heads. The club-shaped fruits carry an unusual persistent crown: clusters of finely barbed bristles alternate with pointed scales. Flora of North America: Nicolletia

Native range

Flora of North America recognizes three species across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Two reach the United States; Nicolletia trifida is confined to the Baja California peninsula. Flora of North America: Nicolletia