Tanseyleaf Tansyaster

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Machaeranthera
Species:
Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
Purple

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in arid and semi-arid regions