Gamochaeta stagnalis, the desert cudweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and the southwestern United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico).Guy L. Nesom 2004. New distribution records for Gamochaeta (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) in the United States. Sida 21(2): 1175–1185.Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution mapCalflora taxon report, University of California, Gamochaeta stagnalis (I.M. Johnst.) Anderb.
Gamochaeta stagnalis is an annual herb up to tall, producing a slender taproot. Leaves are up to long. The plant forms many small flower heads in tightly packed clumps. Each head contains 3–4 purple disc flowers but no ray flowers.Flora of North America, Gamochaeta stagnalis (I. M. Johnston) Anderberg, 1991. Desert cudweed
Gamochaeta stagnalis is very similar to G. purpureum and some G. stagnalis specimens (especially from Arizona) have been misidentified as that species.
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