Family: Asteraceae
Compound: Bri cou
Synonyms: Coleosanthus coulteri
Geographic Origin: SW US, W Mexico
Characteristics: A small perennial shrub reaching 30-150cm (11.8-59cm) in height. Many stems
emerge from the base and grow upwards. The branching is oppositely arranged, and may be
green to red or tan. The stems have small hairs covering them, and may have scattered glands.
Leaves are roughly triangular, with large serrations on two outward facing sides, and small hairs
across the surface. They are often dark green, and may have a purple hue especially along the
edges. Flowers are on peduncles, and composites with bracts forming a cylinder that the
flowers spill out of at the end. They have hues of orange, red and yellow, with striations caused
by the overlapping bracts. Seeds are wind dispersed
Natural History: Grows on dry, rocky slopes between 610-1219m (2,000-4,000ft) in elevation. It
blooms from late summer/early fall through the winter, to early summer.
Cultivation Notes: There is little information about the propagation of this species available. It is
not typically sold at nurseries. Try collecting wild seed and spreading it on the surface of the soil
in a pot and watering frequently or directly in the ground during the rainy season. Tolerates
poor soils and partial to full sun. Its interesting leaf shape, and ornate, colorful little flowers
make it a good choice for native gardens.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Unknown
Citations:
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=2826