Species Detail Forb

Flower head Highlands Center for Natural History - Sue Smith		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Cosmos parviflorus - southwestern cosmos Synonyms: Coreopsis parviflora Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Asteraceae


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Forb Plant Description

Origin: Native Life Cycle: Annual
General Desc: Southwestern cosmos grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is branched several times in the upper half, with a single flower head at the end of each slender, bare stem. The plants have a sparse, airy appearance.
Identification notes: Annual of slender leafy stems and opposite leaves. Leaves are dissected 2 to 3 times into narrow lobes. Flowers have white to pinkish-purple ray flowers and yellow disc flowers. Flowers are solitary, terminal and 1-1/4 inches across.
Height: To 3 feet

Habitat

Habitat Description: Open or forested slopes and canyons, sometimes in disturbed and cultivated areas.
Plant Communities: Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: 4000 - 9000 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: White to pinkish-purple Shape: Daisy or dandelion-like not in clusters Tubular: N Flowering Period: Jul - Oct
Description: The flowers have 8 pale pink ray flowers, bright yellow disc flowers and 8 long, narrow sepals. The flower heads are about 1-1/4 inches across.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Green Leaf Type: Compound Leaf Shape: Narrow Leaf Margin: Smooth Leaf Attachment: Opposite Leaves Clasp: N
Hairs: No Spines: N
Leaf Description: The leaves are very finely divided 2 or 3 times into threadlike segments. They are to 3 inches long.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Color: Blackish
Fruit Type: Achene
Seed Notes: Seeds are slender with 2 barbs at one end which snag onto passing animals or people for dispersal.


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer