[Illustration: Aplopappus heterophyllus
Aplopappus gracilis]
Common names: JIMMYWEED, RAYLESS-GOLDENROD, GOLDENBUSH, GOLDENWEED
Arizona desert: (_Aplopappus lacrifolius_). Yellow. August-November.
California desert: (_Aplopappus gracilis_). Yellow. February-November.
Texas-New Mexico desert: (_Aplopappus heterophyllus_). Yellow.
June-September.
Sunflower family. Size: Herbs or small shrubs 2 to 18 inches.
The genus _Aplopappus_ (sometimes spelled _Haplopappus_) is represented
in the Southwest by a great many species, both annuals and perennials,
which range from elevations of 2,000 feet up to 9,000 feet. Desert forms
prefer open, dry canyon slopes and mesas.
_A. linearifolius_ is conspicuous in the springtime, at elevations
between 3,000 and 5,000 feet because of its many, showy flower heads.
_A. heterophyllus_ often takes over heavily grazed rangeland since it is
generally unpalatable to livestock and replaces vegetation destroyed by
overgrazing.