Atkolla

Atkolla is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus was described by botanists Per Axel Rydberg and Karl Johan Gustafsson in 1912. Plants in the genus Atkolla are native to the Americas.

The genus Atkolla includes several species, primarily found in western North America. These plants are typically herbaceous perennials, often found in dry, open habitats such as grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and rocky slopes. They are characterized by their composite flower heads, a common feature of the Asteraceae family, which are usually composed of ray florets and disc florets. The leaves are often basal and can vary in shape, but are frequently lobed or toothed.

Atkolla species have historically been used by indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes, though scientific studies confirming these uses are limited. The ecological role of Atkolla plants includes providing food and habitat for local wildlife. Conservation status varies among the species, with some considered common and others rare or endangered depending on their specific range and environmental pressures. Further research into the taxonomy and ecological interactions of Atkolla is ongoing.