Overview
Uropappus lindleyi is an annual herb in the daisy family, reaching 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall. The plant forms a basal cluster of narrow, grass-like leaves 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) long, with one or several erect, mostly leafless flowering stems. Each stem bears a single flower head of 5-50 ray florets; the ligules are pale yellow to cream, often marked with reddish or purplish veins on the reverse. After flowering, the head opens into a sphere of silvery, pointed pappus scales 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across, surrounding dark brown to black achenes. Flowering occurs from March to June. The species grows in open, dry habitats including grassland, chaparral openings, desert slopes, and disturbed ground from sea level to about 6,600 feet (2,000 m). It tolerates drought and lean, fast-draining soils but is short-lived, completing its cycle within a single season. Where soil is left bare it self-sows and returns unpredictably, which can make stands hard to hold from year to year.
Native Range
Uropappus lindleyi is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia south through California to Baja California and east to Nebraska, Texas, and northern Mexico. It is widespread across the Great Basin, the California Floristic Province, and the southwestern deserts.Suggested Uses
Grown in wildflower meadows, dry rock gardens, and restoration plantings on sandy or disturbed ground. The silvery seed heads are cut for dried arrangements. It fits naturalistic plantings where annual reseeding is acceptable.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from March to June, peaking in April and May across most of the range. Each head stays open briefly before forming its silvery seed sphere. Bloom timing shifts earlier at low desert elevations and later at cooler mountain or northern sites.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale yellow to cream with reddish veinsFoliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Uropappus lindleyi in full sun and sharp-draining sandy or gravelly soil. Sow seed directly in autumn or early spring, since the taproot resents transplanting. Water lightly until seedlings establish, then reduce to occasional irrigation, as the plant withstands drought and rots in wet ground. Lean soils need no feeding; overly rich conditions produce weak, floppy stems. As an annual it dies after setting seed, so leave some heads to mature if a returning stand is wanted. Self-sown seedlings emerge in autumn or spring and can be thinned to about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.Pruning
No formal pruning is needed for this annual. Spent flowering stems can be removed once the silvery seed heads have shed, though leaving them allows self-seeding. Stems for indoor arrangements are cut just as the pappus sphere expands.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Plant Spacing
6 inches