Carphephorus tomentosus (Michaux) Torrey & A. Gray. Common name: Carolina Chaffhead. Phenology: Aug-Oct. Habitat: Pine savannas, pine flatwoods, and longleaf pine sandhills. Distribution: Se. VA south to s. GA.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Other Comments: The specific epithet is somewhat misleading; C. tomentosus is highly variable in its pubescence, ranging from glabrate to densely hirsute.
Synonymy ⓘ: = C, FNA21, G, GW2, K4, RAB, S, SE1, Va, Correa & Wilbur (1969), Schilling (2011b); > Carphephorus tomentosus (Michx.) Torr. & A.Gray var. tomentosus — F; > Carphephorus tomentosus (Michx.) Torr. & A.Gray var. walteri (Elliott) Fernald — F. Basionym: Liatris tomentosa Michx. 1803
Links to other floras: = Carphephorus tomentosus - FNA21
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
Heliophily ⓘ: 8
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© Will Stuart Jr. | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Will Stuart Jr. | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Weakley source | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Weakley source | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
Intro: Erect perennial of savannas, flatwoods, seepage slopes, sandy/boggy clearings and moist to dry sandhill woodlands.
Stems: Stems 1-several, branched above, reddish-purple-tinged, usually densely hairy but may be partially or totally smooth.
Leaves: Leaves basal and alternate on the stem, petiolate, narrowly elliptic to oblong, to 5 in. long (reduced and sessile upward); stem leaves held close to stem.
Inforescence:
Flowers: Composite flowers (heads) at tips of ascending upper branches, about 1/2 in. wide, consisting of 15-20 rosy-pink, 5-lobed, tubular disk florets (no rays) and protruding stamens. Several series of sticky-glandular, pointed, reddish-purple or green bracts surround the bell-shaped base of each head.
Fruits:
Comments: Endemic to se VA south to s GA.
Height: 1-2 ft.
plant sale text:
bloom table text:
description: Erect perennial of savannas, flatwoods, seepage slopes, sandy/boggy clearings and moist to dry sandhill woodlands.
stems: Stems 1-several, branched above, reddish-purple-tinged, usually densely hairy but may be partially or totally smooth.
leaves: Leaves basal and alternate on the stem, petiolate, narrowly elliptic to oblong, to 5 in. long (reduced and sessile upward); stem leaves held close to stem.
inflorescence:
flowers: Composite flowers (heads) at tips of ascending upper branches, about 1/2 in. wide, consisting of 15-20 rosy-pink, 5-lobed, tubular disk florets (no rays) and protruding stamens. Several series of sticky-glandular, pointed, reddish-purple or green bracts surround the bell-shaped base of each head.
fruits:
comments: Endemic to se VA south to s GA.
cultural notes:
germination code:
native range:
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