Geraea canescens – “Desert Gold”

Also Known As: Desert Sunflower, Hairy Desert Sunflower
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Jan-May
Form: Annual herb
Habitat: Sandy desert soils
Leaves: Ovate, entire or toothed on outer half of leaf, covered with fine hairs; alternate
Translation: “Geraea” is from Greek “geraios,” “old,” which characterizes the white-hairs on the bracts behind the petals; “canescens” is Latin and means “covered with short gray or white hairs,” which describes the stems and leaves.
Notes: Famous for growing in vast patches during Death Valley superblooms. Occasionally hybridizes with Encelia farinosa.
Animal relationships: Flowers attract bees. Seeds eaten by birds and rodents.