Species of flowering plant
Silphium asteriscus, commonly called starry rosinweed,[2] is an herbaceous plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the eastern United States, from Oklahoma and Texas east to Florida and Pennsylvania.[3] It is a widespread species found in a variety of open habitats, such as prairies and woodlands.[4]
Taxonomy
Additional research is needed to better understand the taxonomy of this species. It remains perhaps the most poorly-understood Silphium in eastern North America.[5] It appears to show a high level of local variability throughout its range, which has been interpreted as either a species complex, a single highly variable species, or some combination of both. Due to conflicting information about the best circumscription of the varieties, the taxonomy of this species remains unsettled.[6][7]
The most recent treatment from 2020 ranked Silphium asperrimum, Silphium dentatum and Silphium simpsonii at species status.[7] If adopted, this leaves S. asteriscus with three remaining varieties. They are:
- Silphium asteriscus var. asteriscus - Appalachian and eastward; with a congested, hispid inflorescence
- Silphium asteriscus var. laitoflium - south and west of the Appalachians; with broad, opposite leaves and a spreading glabrous inflorescence
- Silphium asteriscus var. trifoliatum - widespread; similar to the above but with narrow whorled leaves[7]
References
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