Silphium asteriscus
| Silphium asteriscus | |
|---|---|
 |
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| S. asteriscus var. asteriscus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Heliantheae |
| Genus: | Silphium |
| Species: | S. asteriscus |
| Binomial name | |
|
Silphium asteriscus L. |
|
Silphium asteriscus, commonly called starry rosinweed, is an herbaceous plant in the aster family. It is native to the eastern United States, from Oklahoma and Texas east to Florida and Pennsylvania. It is a widespread species found in a variety of open habitats, such as prairies and woodlands.
Additional research is needed to better understand the taxonomy of this species. It remains perhaps the most poorly-understood Silphium in eastern North America. It appears to show a high level of local variability throughout its range. This has historically been interpreted as a species complex, although recent treatments have often reduced these to variety rank, with some exceptions. Many specimens appear as intermediate or hybrids, which complicates study. Due to conflicting information about the best circumscription of the varieties, the taxonomy of this species remains unsettled.
A 2015 treatment elevated Silphium gatesii, Silphium glabrum and Silphium trifoliatum from variety to species status. If adopted, this leaves S. asteriscus with three remaining varieties. They are:
Line drawing of Silphium asteriscus
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Wikipedia