Family: Asteraceae
Compound: Por gra
Synonyms: Porophyllum caesium, Porophyllum cedrense, Porophyllum confertum var.
ochroleucum, Porophyllum junciforme, Porophyllum nodosum, Porophyllum ochroleucum,
Porophyllum putidum, Porophyllum vaseyi
Geographic Origin: SW US, NW Mexico
Characteristics: a small perennial shrub with a woody base and herbaceous stems. Between 20-
70cm (7.9-27.5in) in height. Stems and leaves may be green to purple with a waxy glaucous
coating that rubs off easily. Leaves are narrow 0.5-1mm by 20-55mm (0.02-0.04in by 0.8-2.2in)
and share the same color and glaucous coating as the stems. They have scattered glands.
Flowers are composites with the involucres forming a tube like structure with distinct seams
and flowers emerging from the end in a small cluster. This structure dries and splits at the
seams when the wind dispersed seeds are ripe.
Natural History: Found up to 1219m (4,000ft) in canyons and washes, alluvial fans, on rocky
slopes, etc. Blooms spring to fall.
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.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: used for various aches and sores across the body.
Citations:
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=2284#