Eryngium leavenworthii

Cladus: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Divisio: Magnoliophyta
Classis: Magnoliopsida
Ordo: Apiales
Familia: Apiaceae
Subfamilia: Saniculoideae
Genus: Eryngium
Species: Eryngium leavenworthii

Information

Eryngium leavenworthii is a species of annuals, reaching heights of up to 3 feet that inhabits dry rocky praries, roadside fields, open woodlands and waste areas. It is mostly seen flowering between July to September, however in some areas it has been seen blooming as late as November. The flowers are atop spiked leaves and elongated stems and form cones of purple or wine colored, tightly clustered blossoms that resemble fuzzy pineapples. The plant is mostly found in areas with limestone or chalk soils. It is in the parsley family and was named after its discoverer, Melines Conklin Leavenworth (1796-1862).

References

* USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [1]
* NRCS, Plants Source & Reference. [2]
* Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses. Mike Haddock [3]
* Wikipedia. Eryngium article. [4]