Carolina Desert Chicory

Annuals (sometimes persisting), (5–)20–50(–100+) cm. Stems usually branching from bases and/or distally, rarely scapiform, usually glabrous proximally, sometimes pilosulous. Cauline leaves (1–)3–9+, proximal mostly lanceolate, margins usually dentate, sometimes pinnately lobed, distal narrowly lanceolate to lance-attenuate, margins entire or with 1–2 lobes near bases. Heads (1–)3–5+ in loose, corymbiform arrays. Calyculi: bractlets 13–16+ in 2–3 series, subulate to filiform, 8–12+ mm. Involucres ± cylindric to campanulate, 17–24+ mm. Phyllaries 16–21+. Florets 50–150+; anthers 2.5–3.5 mm (pollen equatorial diameters mostly 43–47 µm). Cypselae: bodies reddish brown, 4–6 mm, beaks 8–10 mm; pappi 7–10+ mm. 2n = 12.

Leontodon carolinianum Walter, Fl. Carol., 192. 1788; Pyrrhopappus carolinianus var. georgianus (Shinners) H. E. Ahles; P. georgianus Shinners