Lygodesmia spp.

skeleton plant

Asteraceae

North America (Great Plains to Great Basin and Mexico)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Lygodesmia spp. is a genus of about six to eight species of perennial herbs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to the dry plains, prairies, and deserts of North America. Plants grow 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall from deep, woody taproots, forming clumps of slender, rush-like green stems that are nearly leafless, the habit behind the common name skeleton plant. The few leaves present are reduced to narrow scales or thread-like blades along the lower stem. Flower heads consist entirely of strap-shaped ray florets, pink to rose-lavender and occasionally white; L. grandiflora bears flower heads up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) across, larger than the roughly 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) heads of L. juncea, which are carried on broom-like stems. The milky sap is typical of the chicory tribe. Flowering runs through summer in response to available moisture. L. juncea frequently carries rounded stem galls caused by a small gall wasp. Plants grow in full sun on sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils with sharp drainage and withstand prolonged drought through their deep roots. Heavy, wet soils cause the taproot to rot.

Native Range

Native to North America, from the Great Plains and prairies west to the Great Basin and Southwest, extending from the Canadian Prairie Provinces south into Mexico. Species grow on dry grasslands, sandy flats, and rocky slopes.

Suggested Uses

Grown in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and xeriscapes, where the wiry stems and pink flowers suit dry, sunny sites. The genus is used to stabilize sandy ground and as a nectar source for small native bees and butterflies. It combines with other drought-tolerant grassland plants.

How to Identify

Recognized by clumps of slender, green, rush-like stems that are essentially leafless and exude milky sap when broken. Flower heads are composed only of strap-shaped ray florets, pink to lavender, each head fringed at the petal tips with five small teeth. Rounded woody galls on the stems of L. juncea are a frequent field clue.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'

Width/Spread8" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs through the summer, roughly June to September, opening in flushes after rain. Individual heads are short-lived, often closing by afternoon, but plants flower over an extended period in favorable seasons. Bloom is sparse during severe drought.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink to rose-lavender, occasionally white

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Flowers in one to two years from seed; the deep taproot develops over several seasons

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on lean, sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils with sharp drainage. Established plants withstand prolonged drought and need no supplemental water in most climates, while soggy or heavy clay soils cause the deep taproot to rot. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of about 6.5-8.0 suits the genus. The taproot makes mature plants difficult to move, so they are usually started from seed where they are to grow. Pest problems are few beyond the stem galls of L. juncea. Plants tolerate wind, heat, and low fertility.

Pruning

No routine pruning is required. Stems can be cut back to the base after flowering or left standing through winter, as the dry stems persist. Cutting back in late winter clears the way for fresh spring growth.