Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Thelesperma megapotamicum (Sprengel) Kuntze
(Rio Grande Greenthread, Navajo Tea, Hopi Tea)

Family: Asteraceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Bidens megapotamicum Sprengel
Thelesperma gracile (Torrey) Gray

Thelesperma megapotamicum is common along sidewalks and disturbed areas. It is a slender perennial with dissected linear leaves with linear segments. It gives the initial impression of having no leaves at all until examined more closely. The yellow flowers are all discoid or have minute rays.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Thelesperma megapotamicum, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., US 180N near Mangus, May 23, 2007



Thelesperma megapotamicum, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., US 180N near Mangus, May 23, 2007



Thelesperma megapotamicum, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Scott Park, May 20, 2009



Thelesperma megapotamicum, macro of awned and alien looking achene, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Scott Park, May 20, 2009


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