''Erigeron muirii'', or Muir's fleabane, is a rare Arctic species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It has been found only in northern Alaska and the northern Yukon Territory, including Herschel Island in the Arctic Ocean. It grows in tundra, dry slopes, and rock outcrops.
''Erigeron muirii'' is a small perennial herb rarely more than 12 cm (5 inches) high, covered with thick wool that gives it a gray-green appearance, spreading by means of underground rhizomes. The plant generally produces only one flower head per stem, the head containing sometimes as many as 100 ray florets surrounding numerous yellow disc florets.
''Erigeron muirii'' was discovered by noted conservationist John Muir near Cape Thompson, Alaska during his travels there in 1881. Muir sent the plants he collected to his friend and botanist Asa Gray, who determined that the ''Erigeron'' was a new species, which he named in honor of Muir.
Gray, Asa 1882. Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 17: 210–211
Diagnosis (taxonomy), diagnosis in Botanical Latin, Latin, commentary in English
References
External links
United States Department of Agriculture Plants ProfileSierra Club, John Muir Exhibit, Erigeron muirii: Muir's Fleabane
includes photo + drawing
Erigeron, muirii
Flora of Alaska
Plants described in 1882
Flora of Yukon
Flora without expected TNC conservation status
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