Greenthread

Thelesperma filifolium, commonly known as stiff greenthread or plains greenthread, is a native North American wildflower that blooms with vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers. It is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that thrives in dry, sandy or gravelly soils. With its delicate thread-like foliage and cheerful blooms, stiff greenthread makes an excellent addition to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Stiff greenthread is a bushy, annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial that grows 10-30 inches tall and 15-24 inches wide. Its slender, branched stems bear finely-divided, bright green leaves that resemble threads, giving the plant its common name.

• Flowers: From late spring to mid-summer, stiff greenthread produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers, each measuring about 2 inches across. These cheerful blooms feature 8 broad yellow ray florets surrounding a center of several dozen disc florets, usually reddish brown.

• Habitat: Native to the central and southwestern United States, stiff greenthread is commonly found in disturbed sites, such as roadsides, fields, and prairies. It prefers dry, sandy or gravelly soils with a neutral to basic pH.

• Blooming season: Stiff greenthread blooms from March to June and often continues into the fall.

Benefits:

• Pollinator magnet: Stiff greenthread's rich nectar attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

• Drought tolerance: This hardy plant is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions, making it a valuable addition to water-wise landscaping.

• Erosion control: Stiff greenthread's deep taproot helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it a useful plant for revegetation projects.

• Ornamental value: With its delicate foliage and vibrant yellow flowers, stiff greenthread adds beauty and color to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.

Thelesperma filifolium, commonly known as stiff greenthread, is a native wildflower found in various parts of North America. Its native range spans across the central and southwestern United States, reaching into northern Mexico. Here's a list of the states where you can find stiff greenthread growing wild:

United States:

• Arkansas (AR)

• Colorado (CO)

• Kansas (KS)

• Louisiana (LA)

• Missouri (MO)

• Mississippi (MS)

• Nebraska (NE)

• New Mexico (NM)

• Oklahoma (OK)

• South Dakota (SD)

• Texas (TX)

• Wyoming (WY)