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Nabalus altissimus - (image 1 of 7)

Taxonomy

Family: Asteraceae

Synonymous with Prenanthes altissima L.

Habitat

Sandy or rocky woods.

Associates

Acer saccharum, Aster cordifolius, Aster macrophyllus, Carex pensylvanica, Dentaria laciniata, Fagus grandifolia, Geranium maculatum, Hamamelis virginiana, Hepatica acutiloba, Polystichum acrostichoides, Quercus alba, Solidago caesia, Tilia americana, Viburnum acerifolium.

Distribution

Manitoba and Quebec south.

Morphology

Erect herbaceous perennial, from 2-7' tall; leaves alternate, petiolate to sessile or clasping; shape highly variable, ranging from ovate to triangular, or variously lobed, margin irregularly dentate; flowers greenish white; pappus straw-colored; heads mostly with 5 flowers, rarely 6; principle phyllaries (bracts) fewer than 7 (usually 5); achenes columnar, not noticeably flattened.

Notes

Flowers mid September to early October

Wetland indicator: Facultative Upland

The stems of Nabalus spp. exude a milky sap when broken. Most other species in this genus have about 8 principle bracts (the longer, inner ones that enclose the flowers when in bud).

References

Peterson, R. T. and M. McKenney. 1996. A Field Guide to Wildflowers:
Northeastern and North-Central North America.
Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, MA

Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region.
Indiana Academy of Science. The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.

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