Spiny Goldenweed
ExplorePlants
Spiny Goldenweed
Xanthisma spinulosum
Spiny Goldenweed is a bright yellow flower that grows in sunny places. Its spiky leaves help it stand out in the wild, making it a special sight to see!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Spiny Goldenweed has numerous bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with many thin petals and a prominent gold center. Its stems are often branching, covered with narrow, linear leaves that have tiny, sharp spines along their edges, giving it a somewhat bushy appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusXanthisma
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
After blooming, the plant produces fluffy seeds that parachute on the wind to find new homes!
Even though it looks spiky, tiny ladybugs sometimes hide among its leaves to stay safe from predators.
Its scientific name, Xanthisma, means "golden color" in Greek, perfectly describing its sunny flowers!
Some call it "ironplant" because it can grow in tough, rocky soils where other plants can't survive!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Defense
Spiny Goldenweed has tiny sharp spines on its leaves that help it defend against hungry animals trying to munch on its green parts.
Ability
Sun Seeker Roots
Spiny Goldenweed can grow deep roots that help it find water far underground, allowing it to survive in very dry, sunny places.
Ability
Golden Lure
Spiny Goldenweed has bright yellow flowers that act like a beacon, attracting many different kinds of busy insects for pollination.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-60 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
gathers nectar and pollen from flowers
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
collects pollen and nectar
pollinates
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
feeds on nectar, aiding pollen transfer
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch the plants unless an adult says it's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Spiny Goldenweed?
10-60 cm
How wide does Spiny Goldenweed spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Spiny Goldenweed?
1-3 cm
When does Spiny Goldenweed bloom?
Summer to fall
Is Spiny Goldenweed edible?
No
Is Spiny Goldenweed toxic?
None
What is Spiny Goldenweed's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Spiny Goldenweed pollinated?
Insect
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