Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus – “Goldenhead”

Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-Jun
Form: Perennial subshrub
Habitat: Rocky places and slopes
Leaves: Linear to oblanceolate; alternate
Translation: “Acamptopappus” is Greek and can be translated as either “stiff paper” or “stiff pappus,” and refers to either a.) the stiff, papery bracts left behind after the seeds have blown away, or, b.) the stiff bristles of the pappus, which forms after the flower is pollinated. “Sphaerocephalus” is Greek for “round head” and describes the flower’s globular shape.
Notes: Flower made up entirely made up of disc flowers. Strong scent similar to the garden plant Green Santolina (Santolina virens).
Native American Uses: The Kawaiisu made a salve from the mashed plant for treating pain.