The only species in the monotypic genus ''Achyrachaena'' is the annual herb ''Achyrachaena mollis'', which bears the common name blow-wives. The genus name is both singular and plural.
The plant is common in low-elevation hills, higher mountains, valleys, and
grasslands
A grassland is an area where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae). However, sedge ( Cyperaceae) and rush ( Juncaceae) can also be found along with variable proportions of legumes such as clover, and other herbs. Grasslands occur ...
across
California
California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...
from the coast to the
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada ( ) is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. The vast majority of the range lies in the state of California, although the Carson Range spur lies primari ...
, north into southern
Oregon
Oregon ( , ) is a U.S. state, state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is a part of the Western U.S., with the Columbia River delineating much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington (state), Washington, while t ...
, and south into northern
Baja California
Baja California, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Baja California, is a state in Mexico. It is the northwesternmost of the 32 federal entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1952, the area was known as the North Territory of B ...
, Mexico.
''Achyrachaena mollis'' has some invasive potential in introduced locations, but is not recorded as one of the more troublesome weeds.
Description
''Achyrachaena mollis'' is a flower which grows to approximately one foot in height on a strong, straight stem. Atop the stem is a large, rounded bud which opens into a spherical cluster of flowers. The actual flowers are small and yellow and nearly invisible behind the showy fruits, which extend shiny bright white scales which look like long rectangular flower petals. These silky white scales catch the wind, which allows the single-seeded fruits to be dispersed.
Gallery
Image:Achyrachaena mollis 001.jpg, ''Achyrachaena mollis'' flower, side view
Image:Achyrachaena mollis 002.jpg, Flower, top view
Image:Achyrachaena_mollis_seeds.jpg, The distinctive 'blow-wives' seed head, ready for distribution by the wind.
References
External links
*
Jepson Flora Project: ''Achyrachaena mollis''USDA Plants Profile — ''Achyrachaena mollis'' (blow-wives)
*
Monotypic Asteraceae genera
Flora of California
Flora of Oregon
Flora of Baja California
Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Madieae
{{Madieae-stub