Nicolletia occidentalis – “Mojave Hole-in-the-Sand Plant”

Also Known As: Hole-in-the-Sand Plant, Western Nicolletia
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-Jun
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Sandy soils
Leaves: Pinnately-divided, leaflets linear; alternate
Translation: “Nicolletia” is named for Joseph Nicholas Nicollet (1786-1843), French explorer, geologist, and astronomer, as well as science teacher to John C. Frémont (as in “fremontii,” a frequently-seen specific epithet); “occidentalis” is Latin for “western” (as opposed to “orientalis” for “eastern”).
Notes: Often found growing out of a depression in the sand, hence the common name. Its deep tap root and narrow foliage are characteristics that help it survive in a sunny, dry climate. Holes in the sand are not the only place they can be found; I saw them growing along the curb in the parking lot in front of the Joshua Tree laundromat.