Rafinesquia neomexicana – “Desert Chicory”

Also Known As: California Chicory, New Mexico Plumseed
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Feb-Jun
Form: Annual herb
Habitat: Sandy and gravelly soils
Leaves: Oblanceolate, pinnately lobed; mostly basal; often dessicated by the time flowering commences
Translation: “Rafinesquia” is named for Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz (1783-1840), an eccentric but brilliant botanist and naturalist; “neomexicana” means “of New Mexico.”
Notes: Closely resembles the various wild and weedy chicories found all over North America and the world. Often grows in the shade of shrubs or up through their branches. Taylor describes Desert Chicory as an “engaging citizen of the desert.”
Animal Associations: Host plant for Heliolonche pictipennis moth.