Stiff Greenthread
(Thelesperma filifolium)
Stiff Greenthread (Thelesperma filifolium)
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Michelle W.
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michelle W.
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michelle W. | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michelle W. | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-04T00:45:24-07:00 |




















































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Thelesperma filifolium, commonly known as Stiff Greenthread, is a perennial herb native to prairies, plains, and open woodlands across the central and southwestern United States. It is well-adapted to arid environments and can be found in a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy. This plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 26 inches and is characterized by its slender, thread-like leaves that are scattered along the stem, giving it a delicate, airy appearance. The daisy-like flowers are golden-yellow with eight rays, and the center disk flowers range from reddish to dark brown. The urn-shaped bloom buds add interest as they droop before opening. Stiff Greenthread blooms from March to June and often re-blooms in the fall, providing a long season of color.
Stiff Greenthread is valued for its drought resistance and ability to thrive with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its attractiveness to butterflies, serving as both a larval host and a nectar source. In cultivation, it requires full sun and can tolerate low to medium water conditions, preferring well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be an asset in wildflower meadows or as part of a pollinator garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Stiff Greenthread is valued for its drought resistance and ability to thrive with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its attractiveness to butterflies, serving as both a larval host and a nectar source. In cultivation, it requires full sun and can tolerate low to medium water conditions, preferring well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be an asset in wildflower meadows or as part of a pollinator garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.7-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.7-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to prairies, plains, and open woodlands across the central and southwestern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Plains Greenthread
Scientific Names: , Thelesperma filifolium, Thelesperma filifolium var. filifolium, Thelesperma filifolium var. intermedium, Thelesperma trifidum, Thelesperma intermedium, Coreopsis filifolia, Cosmidium ×burridgeanum, Coreopsis trifida, Cosmidium filifolium
GBIF Accepted Name: Thelesperma filifolium (Hook.) A.Gray