hundredleaf

Hundredleaf, scientifically known as Eriophyllum confertifolium, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to the southwestern United States, particularly in California and Nevada, it thrives in rocky, dry, and open habitats such as deserts, scrublands, and mountain slopes.

This perennial herb or shrub typically grows between 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) in height. It features gray-green, woolly or fuzzy foliage composed of numerous small, narrow, and densely packed leaves, which are often covered with soft hairs. The plant produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers, usually with bright yellow disk florets and yellow to white ray florets, depending on the specific variety or environmental conditions. The flowering period generally occurs from spring to early summer.

Hundredleaf is appreciated for its drought tolerance and adaptability to poor soils, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. Its presence contributes to local biodiversity, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

While not widely cultivated outside its native range, Hundredleaf is considered a resilient and low-maintenance species, beneficial for preventing soil erosion and supporting native ecosystems. It is not known to have any significant medicinal or economic uses but holds ecological value as part of the native flora of the southwestern United States. Conservation status for Hundredleaf is generally stable, though habitat destruction and invasive species pose ongoing threats in some areas.