Small dioecious shrub or perennial from a woody base, to 70 cm (30 in) tall. Branches greenish, striate-angled. Leaves alternate, sessile, linear or linear-lanceolate, 10-25 mm (0.4-1 in) long and 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) wide, often with leaves of different sizes and shapes on the same plant, usually becoming reduced to subulate bracts toward the ends of branches. Flower heads about 1 cm (0.4 in) across, single or in small clusters at ends of branches. Pappus plumose, conspicuous, with numerous persistent tan or reddish bristles to 1 cm (0.4 in) long.
Distribution: Southwestern Kansas, northwestern Oklahoma, and western Texas.
Habitat: Open, dry plains.
NWI status: FACU
Comment: Baccharis is derived from the Greek name for some other plant; wrightii honors Charles Wright, who collected plants in Texas for Asa Gray.
Distribution in Oklahoma:
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Last update: 9/8/99
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