Xylorhiza tortifolia – “Mojave Aster”

Also Known As: Mojave Woodyaster, Desert Aster
Other Botanical Names: Aster mohavensis
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Mar-Jun
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Desert slopes, canyons, woodland, Creosote Bush and Saltbush scrub
Leaves: Linear to lanceolate, pointy teeth on margins, covered with fine hairs; alternate
Translation: “Xylorhiza” is Greek for “woody root”; “tortifolia” is Latin for “twisted leaf” (“tort” as in “contort” or “distort”).
Native American Uses: The Havasupai carried the aromatic ground leaves in their clothes to mask body odor
Animal relationships: Host plant to the Intermediate Cucullia moth and Schinia ligeae moth.