Rafinesquia neomexicana, commonly known as Desert Chicory or New Mexico Plumeseed, is an annual herb that is native to the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Baja California, and Sonora. It typically grows 6 to 20 inches tall and is characterized by its gray-green foliage and weak, zigzag stems. The plant produces white flowerheads from May to June, which are notable for their outer flowers that extend beyond the phyllaries, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Desert Chicory is adapted to sandy or gravelly soils found in arid environments such as creosote bush scrub and Joshua Tree woodlands. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun conditions with minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and desert gardens. While not commonly used in cultivation, its delicate white flowers can add a touch of elegance to rock gardens or naturalistic desert landscapes. Gardeners should be aware that it may self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0