South Texas Ambrosia
Endangered Species
Background Information
A member of the Aster family, South Texas Ambrosia is an erect, silvery to grayish-green, perennial, herbaceous plant, 4 to 12 inches in height. Flower stalks contain 10 -20 small, yellowish, bud-like flowers, about 1/4 inches across and shaped like hanging bowls. South Texas Ambrosia blooms in late summer and fall. It spreads through rhizomes (underground stems), and a single individual plant may be represented by hundreds of stems forming close- spaced colonies.
Threats or Causes of Extinction/Endangerment
Loss of habitat has led to the decline of this species. Conversion of habitat to agricultural fields and urban areas has limited the amount of habitat available for colonization. introduced species such as Buffelgrass and King Ranch Bluestem compete for the coastal praire
Possible Courses of Action for Protection
South Texas Ambrosia was listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in August 1944. Landowners and managers can help conservation efforts by learning to recognize this plant and managing the sites to maintain diverse native range land plant communities. Mechanical brush management and herbicide use should be carefully planned to avoid damaging impacts to colonies of South Texas Ambrosia
Works Cited
"South Texas Ambrosia (Ambrosia Cheiranthifolia)." TPWD, n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 15.
"South Texas Ambrosia." N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.