Hoary tansyaster

Dieteria canescens

Formerly Machaeranthera canescens. Native short-lived perennial with blue to purple flowers and yellow centers, blooming May to October. Early colonizer of degraded and disturbed sites in various types of arid communities, from low valley rangelands to higher mountain elevations; up to 10,500 ft. elevation. Common to the eastern Pacific Northwest. Competitive with cheatgrass and knapweeds. Habitat for many birds and mammals. Insect associations important for sage-grouse chicks.