Xanthisma coloradoense

Xanthisma coloradoense (syn. Aster coloradoensis, Machaeranthera coloradoensis) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name Colorado tansyaster. It is native to Colorado and Wyoming in the United States. This cushion plant is a perennial herb growing from a taproot and branching caudex. It grows up to 14 centimeters tall, with several to many thick, hairy stems. The hairy leaves are lance-shaped to spatula-shaped and the edges are lined with large, sharp teeth tipped with bristles. The inflorescence is a solitary flower head with narrow, white-tipped phyllaries. It contains pink or purple ray florets up to 1.5 centimeters long and many disc florets. The fruit may be nearly a centimeter long including its pappus. There were previously two varieties of this species, but these subtaxa are no longer recognized. This plant may hybridize with Xanthisma grindelioides. This plant grows in mountains, often in an alpine climate. Habitat types include grassla......read more on Wikipedia.