Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Ratibida tagetes (James) Barnhart
(Green Mexican Hat)

Family: Asteraceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Ratibida tagetes (James) Barnhart var. cinerea Standley
Rudbeckia tagetes James

Ratibida tagetes is similar to the more showy Ratibida columnifera forms, the most obvious differences being the much shorter rays and more globose heads on Ratibida tagetes. The growth form is also different, with the Ratibida tagetes filling an area with few-branched erect individuals while Ratibida columnifera seems to branch considerably from the base and thus the inflorescence-bearing stems usually arise at about a 45 degree angle. Two forms of Ratibida columnifera are recognized, a yellow and red-purple in color. Since both colors are also found in the rays of Ratibida tagetes, it would seem reasonable to expect that two forms would also be recognized, but this is not the case.
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Ratibida tagetes, photo Russ Kleinman, Danielle Walkup & Bill Norris, Silver City, near Scott Park, July 30, 2009



Ratibida tagetes, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Danielle Walkup & Bill Norris, Silver City, near Scott Park, July 30, 2009



Ratibida tagetes, 1-2 pinnatifid leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Danielle Walkup & Bill Norris, Silver City, near Scott Park, July 30, 2009



Ratibida tagetes, inflorescence with yellow rays, photo Russ Kleinman, Danielle Walkup & Bill Norris, Silver City, near Scott Park, July 30, 2009



Ratibida tagetes, inflorescence with red rays, photo Russ Kleinman, Danielle Walkup & Bill Norris, Silver City, near Scott Park, July 30, 2009



Ratibida tagetes, inflorescence with bicolored/intermediate rays, photo Russ Kleinman, Danielle Walkup & Bill Norris, Silver City, near Scott Park, July 30, 2009


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