Black hairs matter

Erigeron melanocephalus, July 21, 2023

Common & scientific name

Blackhead daisy, Erigeron melanocephalus

Family

Sunflower, Asteraceae

Location

Upper Lost Man, 12,100’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

There’s no mistaking this daisy: the black hairs on the underside of its flower, covering the phyllaries, make this an easy ID in the field. Found in large numbers in the alpine, growing several inches tall with bright-white to very-pale lavender ray flowers. Another well-named flower!

Phyllaries