Blennosperma nanum

Blennosperma nanum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Blennosperma
Species:	B. nanum
Binomial name
Blennosperma nanum (Hook.) S.F.Blake
Synonyms
Chrysanthemum nanum Hook.

Blennosperma nanum is an annual plant in the daisy family native to California. Common names include glue-seed, common stickyseed, and yellow carpet.

Description

It is an annual with small yellow flower heads The heads are a paler yellow than many other daisy-like flowers, and the ring of stamens ooze a viscous white juice containing the pollen. The fruits are also carried in a gluey fluid. The Greek name for the genus means "slimy seed."

Distribution

The species is distributed throughout the lower elevations in California from Shasta County to San Diego County, but nowhere is it particularly abundant. It is a resident of vernal pool floral communities. Glue-seed is often one of the first flowers to bloom as winter turns to spring.

Subspecies

• Blennosperma nanum var. robustum: the Point Reyes subspecies of the plant, sometimes called Point Reyes blennosperma, is very rare and is only found in that isolated area.
• Blennosperma nanum var. nanum is much more common, and is sometimes called common blennosperma, yellow carpet, or meadow daisy.

External links

• Jepson Flora Project: Blennosperma nanum