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How to Identify the Menyanthaceae or Bogbean Family

Menyanthes trifoliata is a widespread member of the Menyanthaceae family, found growing in standing water, often in mountain lakes like this one in Carlson Lake on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada

Introduction to the Menyanthaceae Family

Welcome to the Menyanthaceae, probably my favorite aquatic plant family. I say “probably” because my son says all plants are my favorite! The Menyanthaceae is a small but globally important family that plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystem structure and function all across the globe.

As a child growing up in the mountains of coastal British Columbia, Canada, I first encountered this family. I would see bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) growing in the shallow mountain lakes, covered with damselflies and dragonflies, with tiny little fish and frogs swimming beneath them. Even then I recognized it as its own little ecosystem. I also loved deer cabbage (Nephrophyllidium crista-galli) immediately when I discovered it as a teen—I thought its shiny green kidney-shaped leaves with crenate (rounded-toothed) edges were so beautiful, and I did not even get a chance to see its gorgeous frilly white flowers until several years later!

Join me as we explore this globally critical but too often over-looked plant family.

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this easy guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Menyanthaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. This is great news for newcomers to plant morphology because there are a LOT of different words used, sometimes even different words used to describe the same feature! So here at least, we’ll keep it simple.

Below this section is additional information on uses and wildlife values. Then we have morphology photos to help you identify the features of the Menyanthaceae family, followed by pictures of individual species of the Menyanthaceae family that I have found so far in North America.

For researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data throughout the Americas, from Arctic Canada to the tip of South America.

Leaves and Stems of the Menyanthaceae:

The Menyanthaceae are all strictly aquatic or wetland perennial herbs that are rooted and use rhizomes or stolons to remain alive through droughts and winter. They have simple to compound leaves with 3 leaflets (trifoliate). Leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, although some have basal aggregations of leaves and some aquatic forms have floating leaves.

Flowers of the Menyanthaceae:

The Menyanthaceae mostly have bisexual flowers that contain both male (stamens) and female (ovary, style, and stigma) parts on the same flower, although some Nymphoides have separate male and female flowers on separate plants (dioecious). Flowers are small to medium in size with 5 petals that are usually fringed or crested and often have a bearded inner surface. They also have five sepals, which may be free or fused at the base.

Reproductive Features of the Menyanthaceae:

The Menyanthaceae always have 5 fertile stamens that alternate with the corolla lobes. The ovary has 2 chambers that are fused and it is attached above the point of petal attachment (superior) or may be partially inferior. There is a short style divided into 2 stigma lobes.

Fruits of the Menyanthaceae:

Fruits of the Menyanthaceae are always dry capsules that split apart at maturity, but occasionally the fruit is thickened and almost succulent-like, so it is sometimes described as a berry even though it is not.

Uses of the Menyanthaceae Family

Menyanthaceae species are of economic importance as ornamental water garden plants, with Nymphoides being most commonly traded and Liparophyllum and Ornduffia also grown on a smaller scale in Australia for wetland restoration. I always encourage planting native aquatic species to prevent the naturalization and invasiveness of non-native water plants in North America and globally.

On the ethnobotanical side, Menyanthes trifoliata has a long history of use in Europe, Asia, and North American traditional medicines. It has been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and bile and treat scurvy, rheumatism, and fevers. Modern research (Kowalczyk et al. 2019) shows it does have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of the Menyanthaceae

Here is where the Menyantheaceae has the biggest impact globally since they play vital roles in the structure and function of freshwater wetland ecosystems all across the globe. They add crucial habitat structure and diversity in wetlands, allowing biodiversity to flourish, and they help filter suspended solids in the water.

For instance, Menyanthes and Nymphoides have extensive creeping underwater rhizomes and stolons that stabilize soft sediments, while the dense mats of Menyanthes trifoliata often form the structural foundation of floating sphagnum mats, which create habitat for other plants, invertebrates, and more. Floating-leaved species like Nymphoides also create important cover and habitat in shallow waters for small fish, frogs, salamanders, and more, protecting them from avian predators.

Then, the fringed, showy, nectar-rich, textured flowers of Menyanthes and Nymphoides are crucial nectar sources for specialized and generalist native bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.

Morphology of Menyanthaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Menyanthaceae family with these morphology photos.

Some Species of Menyanthaceae Found in North America

Menyanthes trifoliata is a widespread member of the Menyanthaceae family, found growing in standing water, often in mountain lakes like this one in Carlson Lake on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada

Menyanthes trifoliata—Bogbean

Menyanthes trifoliata is a widespread member of the Menyanthaceae family. It is a rhizomatous emergent aquatic (it grows in standing water from rhizomes), often found in shallow ponds and lakes, peat bogs, and fens, often forming floating mats that create habitats for countless other plants, invertebrates, and amphibians. It has leaves divided into three leaflets (trifoliate) and produces white flowers with a deeply 5-lobed corolla with inner petals that are very frilly. It is native across the temperate and subarctic Northern Hemisphere. In the Americas, it is widespread in Canada, Alaska, and the northern USA. I found this patch in the shallow edge waters of Carlson Lake on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Nephrophyllidium crista-galli or deer cabbage is another Menyanthaceae member found in wet, mountainous areas like wet meadows, bogs, and sub/alpine seeps.

Nephrophyllidium crista-galli—Deer Cabbage

Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, or deer cabbage, is another Menyanthaceae member found in wet, mountainous areas like wet meadows, bogs, and subalpine and alpine seeps. It has a much narrower native range, found only in the North Pacific rim from Alaska south through British Columbia, Canada, to Oregon, USA, and also in Japan. It has simple kidney-shaped (reniform) leaves that are thick and glossy and have distinctive round teeth (crenate or scalloped) on their margins, growing from long petioles. Flowers are white or cream with the characteristic fringe of the family but with a prominent fleshy ridge running along the center of each petal lobe.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Menyanthaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form

The Menyanthaceae family consists of aquatic or wetland rhizomatous or stoloniferous perennial herbs that are typically not succulent, have alternate leaves, and often exhibit a basal aggregation of leaves, except for aquatics with floating leaves. Leaves are arranged alternately in a spiral pattern and have petioles with sheathing or ± winged margins, but no stipules are present. Plants are rooted, typically hydrophytes, but some members can survive in the muck without true standing water.

Leaves are simple to trifoliate leaves that are sometimes peltate and typically have broad leaf bases. When simple, the lamina is pinnately or palmately veined and cross-venulate. Leaves have hydathodes to secrete excess water, and anomocytic stomata are usually present on both surfaces, except the floating leaves of Nymphoides, where they are confined to the adaxial surface.

Flowers

The Menyanthaceae plants are hermaphrodites with bisexual flowers whose pollination is entomophilous, except for a few species of Nymphoides, which are dioecious. Dimorphic heterostyly occurs in all genera except Liparophyllum.

Inflorescences are variable. They can be scapiflorous or not, and they can be solitary or aggregated in fascicles, many-flowered cymes, panicles, racemes, or involucrate heads, with or without involucral bracts.

Flowers are small to medium, actinomorphic, usually 5-merous, and tetracyclic. A free hypanthium is absent, and an intrastaminal hypogynous disk is present. The perianth has a distinct calyx and corolla with 10 parts in 2 isomerous whorls.

The calyx has 5 parts in 1 whorl, which are fused at the base or nearly free. The corolla has 5 parts in 1 whorl, and it may be appendiculate with interstaminal scales or not. The corolla is connate with a floral tube, valvate or induplicate valvate, and actinomorphic. Petals are often fringed or crested and typically have conspicuously fimbriate-bearded adaxial surfaces that help distinguish the family from the Gentianaceae. They also have five sepals, which may be nearly free or basally connate.

Androecium

The Menyanthaceae androecium consists of 5 members, although it is occasionally interpreted as having 10 members if the scales that sometimes alternate with the stamens are interpreted as staminodes rather than as the more common interpretation of being outgrowths of the corolla. Androecial members are free of one another and adnate at the base, midway, or in the throat of the corolla tube.

The androecium has five stamens that are exclusively fertile, isomerous with the perianth, and oppositisepalous with filaments alternating with the corolla lobes. Anthers are sagittate, versatile, dehiscing via longitudinal slits, introrse, and tetrasporangiate.

Gynoecium

The gynoecium is 2-carpelled, the pistil is 1-celled, and the ovary is 1-locular. The gynoecium is syncarpous and superior or partly inferior. There is 1 style that is terminal and shortly bifid, with 2 stigmas that are wet type and papillate. Placentation is parietal (two placentas), usually with 10-50 ovules per cavity that are horizontal, anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate.  

Fruits

Fruits in the Menyanthaceae family are non-fleshy, dehiscent loculicidal capsules, but they may be septicidal or valvular capsules. Although occasionally the pericarp is thickened and was occasionally described as berries in older flora, they do not produce berries. Fruits contain 4–100 seeds that are endospermic and oily and may be winged or wingless.

Taxonomy of the Menyanthaceae Family

The Manyanthaceae currently has 58 accepted species in 6 genera. It is part of the Asterales order of the core dicots. While they are further divided into 2 tribes, here we will treat them at the family level because there are so few genera.

Genera of the Menyanthaceae Family:

Liparophyllum (8), Menyanthes (1), Nephrophyllidium (1), Nymphoides (52), Ornduffia (7), Villarsia (3).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Menyanthaceae is not often mistaken for other families except the Gentianaceae. It was even formerly placed in the Gentianales order under the widely used Cronquist system because it shared morphological traits with the Gentianaceae, including fused corollas, parietal placentation (a unilocular ovary), and the presence of bitter iridoids. It has even been treated as a subfamily within the Gentianaceae in older floras. However, DNA evidence showed that it was much closer related to the Asteraceae and Campanulaceae families instead.

The two can be differentiated by the opposite leaves of the Gentiancaeae and the strictly aquatic habitat and alternate leaves of the Menyanthaceae. The Gentianaceae also have smooth inner petals, while the Menyanthaceae petals are distinctly fuzzy or fringed. Chemically, the iridoids of Menyanthaceae differ chemically from those of Gentianaceae.

Distribution of the Menyanthaceae Family

The Menyanthaceae family is mostly a temperate family, though it is cosmopolitan. In the Americas, it is found from northern Canada south into Central and South America, but it does not reach the Southern Cone.

There is also an interesting distribution with the genera themselves, with Menyanthes and Nephrophyllidium growing only in the Northern Hemisphere, while Liparophyllum, Ornduffia, and Villarsia occur only in the Southern Hemisphere. Nymphoides, on the other hand, has a cosmopolitan distribution.

Distribution of the Menyanthaceae in the Americas

Canadian Menyanthaceae Genera:

Menyanthes monospecific circumboreal genus native to all of Canada, inc. the Arctic (and Greenland); Nephrophyllidium monospecific genus native to BC, also AK, Japan; Nymphoides 2 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to ON, QC, NB, NS, and NL (exc. Labrador) and introduced to BC.   

USA Menyanthaceae Genera:

Menyanthes monospecific circumboreal genus native to much of the USA, including AK, but excluding TX, OK, KS, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, FL, TN, and KY, and extirpated in DE; Nephrophyllidium monospecific native to WA, OR, and AK, also in BC, Canada and Japan; Nymphoides 6 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to WA, CA, AZ, TX, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, TN, IN, OH, PA, MD, DE, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME and intro to KY and IL.

Mexico Menyanthaceae Genera:

Nymphoides 2 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to much of Mexico, exc. NW Mexico. 

Neotropical Menyanthaceae Genera:

Nymphoides 4 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to CAM, the Greater Antilles, Leeward Is., Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. N Chile), and it has been introduced in the Venezuelan Antilles.

Patagonia Menyanthaceae Genera:

Absent

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA 1993+. Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org 2020+. https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Kowalczyk T, Sitarek P, Skała E, Rijo P, Andrade JM, Synowiec E, Szemraj J, Krajewska U, Śliwiński T. An Evaluation of the DNA-Protective Effects of Extracts from Menyanthes trifoliata L. Plants Derived from In Vitro Culture Associated with Redox Balance and Other Biological Activities. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Oct 16;2019:9165784. doi: 10.1155/2019/9165784. PMID: 31737178; PMCID: PMC6816005.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–2022).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. 2009+. Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO 2019+. Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Stevens, P. F. 2001+. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020+. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022+): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to some of the families. Donate to support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Asteraceae or Sunflower Family

Arnica cordifolia is part of the Madieae tribe of the Asteroideae subfamily
Arnica cordifolia is part of the Madieae tribe of the Asteroideae subfamily, here showing a radiate head made with bright yellow ray florets and golden yellow disc florets.

Introduction to the Asteraceae Family

Welcome to the Asteraceae, or sunflower family, currently the largest plant family in the world! The Asteraceae, formerly known as the Compositae family, are named after their unique composite flowers that normally look like a single flower when, in fact, they may contain hundreds of disc and ray florets in a single “flower.”

I have always found the Asteraceae to be a fascinating family, super easy to identify at the family level with those composite heads, but they can be more challenging in the field, so much so that we may use phrases like “JAFYA” (just another freaking yellow aster) to describe unknowns we see at a glance before we have a chance to dig deeper, like those “LBMs” (little brown mushrooms) we see amongst mushroom circles. Now, don’t let that scare you; the Asteraceae are a fascinating family, especially on the American continent, where entire tribes, larger than many plant families, are either endemic or strongly concentrated. We even have almost all of the most basal lineages of the Asteraceae, primarily in South America, but we also have one in North America (the Hecastocleidoideae), which possesses unique ancestral characters not found in most Asteraceae.

Common Botanical Description of the Asteraceae

If you’re new to plant morphology, this easy guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Asteraceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. This is fantastic news for newbies since I have joked (seriously, though) about creating a botanists’ thesaurus because of all the different words used to describe the same feature! So I try to cut through the chase and keep it simple.

Below this section is additional information on uses and wildlife values of the Asteraceae, as well as morphology photos to help you identify the family. This is followed by select pictures of individual species of the Asteraceae family, organized by subfamilies and tribes, that I have found in North America, to show you representatives of what the Asteraceae look like, at least in North America, where I have explored them.

For researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions of the Asteraceae and genus-level distribution data on the Asteraceae family throughout the Americas, from Arctic Canada to the tip of South America.

Leaves and Stems of the Asteraceae:

The Asteraceae are mostly perennial and annual herbs, sometimes biennial, but they also include fairly common shrubs and subshrubs and, less often, trees and vines. They often have leaves that are alternately arranged, but some are in opposite pairs, and whorled arrangements are rare. Leaves are often well-developed and may be entire or variously divided with entire or variously toothed margins. Plants usually possess hairs, which come in a wide variety of forms. The leaves may show resin dots.

Flowers of the Asteraceae:

All Asteraceae have unique compound flower heads that appear to be a single flower but, upon closer inspection, are made of several to hundreds of small ray florets that look like petals and small tubular disc florets that are often tightly packed in the center, which are known as radiate heads. However, some flowers are made only of ray florets (ligulate), while others are made only of disc florets (discoid). Flowers are usually made of 5 parts when you get down to the individual floret size, but their parts are fused and very small and may require a hand lens to see.

Instead of a normal calyx of sepals, Asteraceae possess bracts on their floral receptacle, which sometimes look very sepal-like but other times appear as overlapping layers (series) of small bracts that are often pressed tightly against the receptacle.

Reproductive Features of the Asteraceae:

All members have 3-5 stamens, all fertile. The stamens are often quite short, with the anthers appearing fused, almost always forming a tube around the style, and usually bearing modified features (appendages).

The ovary is always inferior, attached below the point where the petals attach, and there are almost always 2 fused chambers (carpels) in the ovary, with typically 2 styles that are partially joined and arise from the top of the ovary. There is always one ovule (~egg) per cavity.

Fruits of the Asteraceae:

Asteraceae fruits are easy to identify since they are almost always non-fleshy cypselae, which are small, hard fruits with one seed (sometimes incorrectly referred to as achenes—think sunflower seed). That seed usually, but not always, has a cluster of hairy bristles (pappus) attached to one end for wind dispersal, but some may have no pappus (like sunflower seeds).

Uses of the Asteraceae

Some of the foods we eat every day come from the Asteraceae family, including Lactuca (lettuce), Cynara (globe artichoke), Cichorium (chicory and endive), Tragopogon (salsify), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacón), Carthamus tinctorius (safflower oil), and Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke).

We also get powerful natural insecticides from the Asteraceae, known as “pyrethrum,” which comes from Tanacetum cinerariifolium. We also get a safflower dye from Carthamus.

Numerous herbs, both medicinal and culinary, also come from the Asteraceae family. Chamomile comes from Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). Calendula (marigold) is grown commercially for herbal teas, herbal salves, home remedies, and potpourri. Echinacea is widely used as a medicinal tea. We also use Artemisia in absinthe (A. absinthium) and tarragon (A. dracunculus), but we also use Tagetes lucida, another Asteraceae, as a winter tarragon in climates where the other won’t survive.

Then we have the countless hundreds of genera used as ornamentals, like the Heliantheae (sunflower) tribe, but also genera like Chrysanthemum, Argyranthemum, Calendula, Dahlia, Gerbera, Dendranthema, Tagetes, Zinnia, and more.

Finally, the Asteraceae are also some of our common agricultural, lawn (Taraxacum!), and landscape weeds and Ambrosia and others of its tribe, which are notorious hay fever plants.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of Asteraceae

The Asteraceae are among the most important plant families for wildlife because their flower heads act like pollinator platforms, providing abundant, easily accessible nectar and pollen from sometimes hundreds of tiny florets grouped into one place for efficiently collecting nectar from multiple flowers in a single visit. That feature is quite likely why the Asteraceae have been so incredibly successful ecologically. Many Asteraceae species are also late bloomers, providing valuable nectar for pollinators when other resources become more scarce.

Asteraceae fruits, often called cypselae or achenes, are regularly eaten by birds and small mammals (and people!), while the leaves and stems support a wide range of herbivorous insects, including many butterfly and moth larvae, but also small and large animals.

Ecologically, members of the Asteraceae are crucial in helping stabilize soils, colonizing disturbed habitats, and providing structure in grasslands, deserts, wetlands, alpine meadows, forests, and coastal systems. Some Asteraceae species are early successional plants that quickly occupy bare or disturbed ground, while others are long-lived components of stable native plant communities. Because the family includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, trees, and cushion plants, Asteraceae participate in ecosystem functions in nearly every major terrestrial habitat on the planet.

General Morphology of Asteraceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Asteraceae with these leaf and plant morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Asteraceae with these leaf and plant morphology photos

Composite Flower Head Morphology of Asteraceae in North America

First, here is some general composite flower morphology, and I have a dissection photo for you below.

Learn how to identify the Asteraceae family with these flower morphology photos of composite heads and fruits

Next, here is a photo of a cross section of the composite head so you can see what it looks like. This is a photo I took of Silphium laciniatum in Kansas, and AI was used to add the labels—so much faster than doing it myself!

Cross section of the Asteraceae Silphium laciniatum showing ray and disc florets

Some Species of Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily Found in North America

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe

Leucanthemum vulgare, the common daisy, is part of the Asteroideae subfamily in the Anthemideae tribe

Leucanthemum vulgare—Common Oxeye Daisy

The oxeye daisy is a good representation of the Anthemideae, or the chamomile tribe. It’s a perennial herb that grows to 1 m tall from creeping rhizomes and has variable leaves that become smaller, less lobed, but more coarsely toothed up the stem. Flowers are radiate heads on a solitary stem, about 3-6 cm across, with white ray florets and yellow disc florets. This is a Eurasian native that is an introduced and fairly aggressive invader in North America, though it prefers disturbed habitats. This one was in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Artemisia campestris infloresence with flowers - uncommon in the Asteraceae, but if you look close you can see the involucral bracts

Artemisia campestris—Field Wormwood

Artemisia campestris is less representative of this tribe as a whole, but it is common in the Artemisiinae subtribe, with hundreds of Artemisa species along. If you look close at its atypical Asteraceae flowers, you can see the involucral bracts. This species has a circumboreal distribution and is native across the USA and Canada. It is a perennial or biennial herb or subshrub with a thickened woody stem base, alternate leaves that are deeply 2-3 times pinnately divided, and flowers in a large panicle-like cluster of bell-shaped heads.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Chaetopappinae Subtribe

Since the Asteraeae tribe is so massive, here I have given one representative member from each subtribe that I have photographed to give you a broad overview of the tribe as a whole.

Chaetopappa ericoides of the Asteroideae subfamily, Astereae tribe, and Chaetopappinae subtribe

Chaetopappa ericoides—Rose Heath

Chaetopappa ericoides is part of the Chaetopappinae subtribe of the Astereae tribe. This western North American native is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb or subshrub, typically only growing to 15 cm tall. Leaves are small, crowded, alternately arranged, and typically have spine-like tips and rough hairs. Flowers are radiate heads in solitary terminal stalks with 8-12 ray florets that open white or pinkish and fade to rose-purple and surround 8-25 bisexual yellow disc florets.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Chrysopsidinae Subtribe

Heterotheca canescens of the Asteroideae subfamily, Astereae tribe and Chrysopsidinae subtribe

Heterotheca canescens—Hoary False Goldenaster

This North American native, the Hoary False Goldenaster (part of the Chrysopsidinae subtribe of the Astereae), gets its name from the dense covering of white hairs (hoary). It’s a compact, busy perennial that grows up to 40 cm tall from a deep taproot, with simple, linear to lance-shaped, alternately arranged leaves. Radiate heads are about 1.5 cm across and are clustered at branch tips like shown here. Each head has 10-22 bright yellow female ray florets and 14-40 yellow bisexual disc florets.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Conyzinae Subtribe

Erigeron subtrinervis is an Asteraceae of the Asteroideae subfamily, Astereae tribe, and Conyzinae subtribe.

Erigeron subtrinervis—Three-Nerve Fleabane

Erigeron subtrinervis is part of the Conyzinae subtribe of the Astereae tribe, and it’s native to western North America; this one here was from Lavington, BC, Canada. They are erect perennials up to 90 cm tall with clustered stems typically densely covered in coarse hairs (hirsute). Its Latin name, subtrinervis, refers to the 3 prominent parallel veins on its alternately arranged leaves. Flower heads are arranged in corymb-like clusters of up to ~20 heads. Ray florets are numerous and very thin, often in lavender, blue, or purple, but rarely white like many others of its genus.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Gutierreziinae Subtribe

Gutierrezia sarothrae is an Asteraceae of the Asteroideae subfamily of the Astereae tribe and the Gutierreziinae subtribe

Gutierrezia sarothrae—Broom Snakeweed

This unassuming plant is part of the Gutierreziinae subtribe that happily makes its home in the Great Plains and deserts of North and Central America and warrants a closer look. It is a small, densely branched, dome-shaped perennial subshrub with alternately arranged, thread-like leaves that are often dotted with tiny translucent resin glands. While individually the flowers are small, it blooms profusely with thousands of pretty, tiny, bright yellow heads in dense, flat-topped, corymbose clusters at the branch tips.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Machaerantherinae Subtribe

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia from the Asteroideae subfamily, the  Astereae tribe, and the Machaerantherinae subtribe

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia—Tansy Leaf Tansyaster

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, part of the Machaerantherinae subtribe of the Asterea, is one of my favorite desert wildflowers because it will bloom from spring through fall, even in the heat of summer. In fact, it provides the perfect nectar to countless native bees and acts as a food source for several native butterflies and moths. It’s a compact, taprooted annual or perennial herb with 1 to several branching, spreading stems with sticky glandular hairs. Leaves are deeply divided, resembling tansy leaves and giving it its name, tanacetifolia. Flower heads are radiate with 12-30 showy lavender to purple ray flowers and a flat central disk of yellow tubular disc florets.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Pentachaetinae Subtribe

Ericameria nauseosa inflorescences, part of the Asteroideae subfamily, Astereae tribe, and  Pentachaetinae subtribe.

Ericameria nauseosa—Rubber Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa is part of the Pentachaetinae subtribe of the Astereae, distinguished by being a shrub up to 2 m tall from a woody root crown and exceptionally deep taproot, allowing it to thrive in arid environments where it can be a dominant species of native shrub in western North America from Canada to central Mexico. Leaves are threadlike and covered with a distinct short layer of tomentose grayish-white hairs, giving the plant a chalky appearance. They also emit a foul odor when crushed, which is where the species name nauseosa comes from. Flowers are in radiate heads made only of yellow tubular disc flowers. The common name “rubber” comes from the fact that it produces a high-quality, hypoallergenic natural rubber concentrated in its woody roots.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Solidagininae Subtribe

Solidago lepida is a goldenrod of the Solidagininae subtribe of the Astereae tribe.

Solidago lepida —Western Canada Goldenrod or Elegant Goldenrod

The goldenrods of the Solidago genus all belong to the subtribe Solidagininae. This one is native across western North America but all across Canada, from the Yukon and British Columbia east to Newfoundland. It’s an erect perennial up to 1.5 m tall, forming spreading colonies via rhizomes and producing single or clustered stems that become hairy in the upper half. Basal leaves are absent by maturity, but it has numerous crowded, more-or-less lance-shaped leaves that don’t reduce in size much up the stem. Flowers are in dense terminal clusters of up to 800 small bright yellow heads. While at first glance you might guess they are discoid, look closely—they have short, thin yellow ray and yellow disc florets, both. This one was in Pender Harbour, British Columbia.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Symphyotrichinae Subtribe

Symphyotrichum laeve inflorescence of radiate flower heads, part of the Symphyotrichinae subtribe of Astereae

Symphyotrichum laeve—Smooth Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve is part of the Symphyotrichinae subtribe of Astereae, found all across North America, from southern Canada throughout most of the USA. It’s a clump-forming perennial 30-120 cm tall from short, thick, woody rhizomes. It’s called “smooth” because of its lack of hairs, though it may have a waxy bloom (glaucous) that makes its leaves and stems appear blue-green. Leaves are simple and alternate but variable; the mid- and upper-stem leaves are clasping around the stems. It produces panicles of radiate heads with 15-30 deep violet to pale blue ray florets and yellow disc florets that turn reddish-purple with age.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe

Hymenopappus filifolius is part of the Bahieae tribe found in southwestern North America

Hymenopappus filifolius—Fineleaf Hymenopappus

Hymenopappus filifolius is part of the Bahieae tribe found in southwestern North America from Canada south to northern Mexico. It’s a taprooted perennial herb growing in clumps or spreading, 10-100 cm tall with stems that are distinctively covered in short wooly hairs (tomentose). Leaves are alternate but mostly concentrated in a dense, woolly, gray-green basal rosette with leaves dissected into thread-like segments. Discoid heads are somewhat unique in having such a knobby appearance of the involucral bracts and the prominent glandular tubular disc florets with a prominent style visible protruding from their central staminal column, a characteristic feature of all Asteraceae, though they are usually hidden within the tube more in other species.

Palafoxia sphacelata is an Asteraceae of the  Asteroideae subfamily, Bahieae tribe

Palafoxia sphacelata—Sand Palafoxia

Sand palafoxia is a beautiful annual native of the Bahieae tribe found in central and southwestern North America, often growing in sand. It is a slender annual up to 90 cm tall from a taproot with simple lance-shaped leaves and lower stems with stiff (hispid) hairs while upper branches have sticky glandular hairs. Showy radiate heads are up to 4 cm wide with 3-5 bright pink ray florets that are each deeply divided into three elongated lobes. The disc florets show off dark protruding stamens. This one was in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwestern New Mexico.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe

Coreopsis lanceolata an Asteraceae member of the Coreopsideae tribe

Coreopsis lanceolata—Lanceleaf Coreopsis

Coreopsis lanceolata is another North American native, but it’s also a popular ornamental and has been introduced around the world. It’s a clump-forming perennial up to 60 cm tall from a short, branched woody caudex with slender stems and opposite lance-shaped leaves (hence its common and Latin names). Flowers are in solitary, striking radiate heads 3-7 cm across on long naked stalks (peduncles), with 8 bright yellow ray florets each deeply 3-4-toothed, surrounding numerous small yellow disc florets.

Thelesperma filifolium involucral bracts; an Asteraceae of the Coreopsideae tribe

Thelesperma filifolium—Stiff Greenhead

Thelesperma filifolium is also part of the Coreopsideae tribe, but I wanted to include it to show how members of this tribe have distinct involucral bracts in separate layers that are often fused amongst each other but also don’t look alike, this one more so than others. This plant is a winter annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial with thread-like oppositely arranged leaves and 4-5 cm wide radiate heads on long slender leafless stalks. It has 8 golden-yellow ray florets and dozens of reddish-brown to purple disc florets. It’s native to central and southwestern North America.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe

Ageratina altissima is an Asteraceae of the Eupatorieae tribe of the Asteroideae subfamily.

Ageratina altissima—White Snakeroot or Tall Boneset

Ageratina altissima is an Asteraceae of the Eupatorieae tribe of the Asteroideae subfamily. It is a perennial herb 40-150 cm tall with large, opposite leaves that are noticeably thin and wrinkled (rugose) with three prominent parallel veins. It produces flat-topped inflorescences of white discoid flower heads with protruding style branches to give it a soft, fuzzy appearance. It is native to eastern and central North America; this one was in the Tallgrass Prairie Reserve in eastern Kansas.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe

Anaphalis margaritacea or Pearly Everlasting is a widespread Asteraceae member of the Gnaphilieae Tribe

Anaphalis margaritacea—Pearly Everlasting

Pearly Everlasting is a member of the Gnaphilieae tribe found across North America and Asia; this one was in Squamish, BC, Canada. It’s a clump-forming annual 30-90 cm tall with slender, unbranched stems covered with a felty or woolly coat of hairs. Leaves are alternate, linear to lance-shaped, and dull gray-green with sparse woolly hairs on top and a dense felt of hairs below. Flowers are in dense terminal flat-topped clusters, each head wrapped in overlapping pearly white involucral bracts that surround tiny bright yellow tubular disc florets that are predominantly male or female (not bisexual). The persistent involucre bracts are what gives the plant its common name, Pearly Everlasting.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe: Gaillardiinae Subtribe

Gaillardia pulchella is an Asteraceae of the  Asteroideae subfamily, Helenieae tribe, and Gaillardiinae subtribe

Gaillardia pulchella—Blanketflower

Gaillardia pulchella is an Asteraceae of the Helenieae tribe and Gaillardiinae subtribe that is native to the south-central USA but was introduced across the eastern states in the 1800s. This hardy multi-branched annual or short-lived perennial has grooved (striate) stems with rough (hirsute) hairs. It has simple grayish-green and densely hairy leaves that become smaller and less lobed or toothed further up the stem. Flowers are showy, pinwheel-like radiate heads 3-5 cm across on long, naked stalks with 10-20 brightly bi-colored red and yellow sterile ray florets and a dense dome of reddish-purple to dark brown disc florets. And because the blooms are long-lasting even in the summer heat, they are popular with native and domestic pollinators.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe: Tetraneurinae Subtribe

Hymenoxys richardsonii is an Asteraceae of the Helenieae tribe and the Teraneurinae subtribe

Hymenoxys richardsonii—Richardson’s Bitterweed

Hymenoxys richardsonii is part of the Helenieae tribe and the Tetraneurinae subtribe, and it’s native to western North America. This low-growing tufted perennial herb or subshrub has dense, woolly white to rusty hairs at the base where the thick leaves are concentrated. Leaves are deeply divided into thread-like segments and have translucent resin glads that are very bitter when bruised. Flowers are golden yellow radiate heads with 7-14 ray florets, each with three deep teeth on their tips, and tubular yellow bisexual disc florets. It is managed in rangelands due to the toxic compounds it contains. 

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe: Ambrosiinae Subtribe

This Asteraceae of the Asteroideae subfamily, Heliantheae tribe, and Ambrosiinae subtribe is  Parthenium incanum

Parthenium incanum—New Mexico Rubber Plant or Mariola

Parthenium incanum may not look like it, but it is part of the Heliantheae, or sunflower tribe, but in this case, the Ambrosiinae subtribe, which doesn’t have the showy flower heads of its close relatives. This Southwestern USA and Mexican native is a heavily branched, rounded perennial desert shrub that grows up to 1 m tall and wide, with young stems coated with matted, cottony, or mealy hairs. Its small leaves are deeply divided into 2-3 pairs of rounded lobes, are alternately arranged, and are aromatic, smelling of turpentine or wormwood. Flowers are small creamy-white heads in flat-topped clusters that look like little cauliflowers. The composite heads are unique, having ~5 broad scoop-shaped female ray florets with tubular disc florets that contain a sterile ovary, making them functionally male.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe: Rudbeckiinae Subtribe

Rudbeckia hirta is a familiar Asteraceae of the Heliantheae tribe and Rudbeckiinae subtribe

Rudbeckia hirta—Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta is a familiar member of the sunflower, or Heliantheae, tribe and the Rudbeckiinae subtribe. Originally native to the plains and central USA, it has spread from Canada to Mexico, coast to coast. It is a robust annual or short-lived perennial 30-100 cm tall from fibrous roots with alternate, simple, variable, entire, or shallowly toothed leaves; leaves and stems are covered in stiff, bristly hairs (hispid). Flower heads are showy and radiate 5-10 cm across with ~8-20 bright yellow to golden ray florets that are completely sterile and hundreds of tiny fertile disc florets that are dark brown to deep purple, forming a raised cone in the center.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe

Arnica cordifolia is part of the Madieae tribe of the Asteroideae subfamily

Arnica cordifolia—Heartleaf Arnica

Arnica cordifolia is part of the Madieae tribe of the Asteroideae subfamily native to western North America in montane and subalpine zones from Alaska and the Yukon south to New Mexico and California; this one was in the mountains of British Columbia. The opposite, heart-shaped leaves of this 15-50 cm tall perennial herb make it easy to identify, though they lose their heart shape and long stems as they go further up the stem. Flower heads are radiate, born on solitary stems or clusters of 2-3; they are 4-8 cm across with 9-16 bright yellow fertile ray florets with 2-3 teeth at their tips around a central disc of yellow tubular florets. Like other arnica species, it possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it great field medicine when bruised and applied to sore muscles, bruises, and sprains.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe: Melampodiinae Subtribe

Melampodium leucanthum aka Blackfoot Daisy is an Asteraceae of the Millerieae tribe

Melampodium leucanthum—Blackfoot Daisy

Melampodium leucanthum is part of the Millerieae tribe and the Melampodiinae subtribe, native to southwestern and central North America from the central USA south into northern Mexico. This low-growing perennial herb or subshrub grows 15-30 cm tall from a thick woody caudex and a deep taproot. It produces numerous brittle branches with fine gray appressed hairs (strigose). Leaves are simple, linear, and oppositely arranged with entire margins or shallow wavy teeth, with short rough hairs. Small white radiate heads 2-2.5 cm wide appear singly at stem tips with 8-13 prominent pearly white ray florets with notches or teeth at their tips surrounding a flat central disc of bright yellow disc florets. The name “Blackfoot” refers to the developing seeds sitting at the base of the ray florets like feet that are wrapped in scales that turn black as they ripen.

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe: Senecioninae Subtribe

Packera glabella, an Asteraceae of the Sencioneae tribe represents this tribe well with their relatively small yellow radiate flowers

Packera glabella—Butterweed

Packera glabella is a good example of the Senecioneae tribe and Senecioninae subtribe, with its small yellow radiate heads with a single uniform row of equal-length green bracts in the involucre that looks like a little green cup (overlapping bracts are more common). They also have the abundant silky pappus that gives spent heads a white-haired, fluffy look. This opportunistic species is native to the central and eastern United States; this one was in Tennessee. 

Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe

Thymophylla acerosa is a member of the Tageteae tribe of Asteraceae

Thymophylla acerosa—Prickly Leaf Dogweed

Thymophylla acerosa is a good representative of the Tageteae tribe of Asteraceae with its prominent translucent oil glands embedded in the leaves and its fused involucral bracts that form a solid tube or cup. It smells strongly of bright citrus and turpentine when bruised. It is a perennial cushion-forming subshrub, usually taller than wide, with stiff woody stems and opposite to alternate leaves that are thread-like and arranged in dense clusters like pine or rosemary. Flowers are ~1 cm across with 7-8 fertile oval yellow ray florets and a 15-25 bisexual disc florets. The involucre is fused in a cup and dotted with conspicuous orange or yellow glands. 

Some Species of the Carduoideae Subfamily in North America

Asteraceae: Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Carduinae Subtribe

Cirsium horridulum is an Asteraceae of the Carduoideae subfamily and the Cardueae tribe and Carduinae subtribe

Cirsium horridulum—Yellow Thistle or Bristly Thistle

Cirsium horridulum is a classic thistle of the Carduoideae subfamily in the Cardueae tribe and Carduinae subtribe that is native to eastern and southern North America; this one was on a roadside in Mississippi. They are large, heavily armed biennials or short-lived perennials with a large, low basal rosette about 60 cm across, followed by a stout, fleshy flowering stem 30-150 cm tall the second year, with stems covered in webby or woolly hairs. Leaves are deeply pinnately lobed, with every lobe terminating in a long rigid yellow spine; true to its name, “horridulum,” it is covered in these spines. Discoid heads vary from pale to creamy yellow, reddish purple, or deep pink. The collar of 4-8 leafy, heavily spined involucral bracts that protect the head like a cage is a good field character for identification.

Cirsium ochrocentrum is a member of the thistle or Carduoideae subfamily of the Asteraceae, in the Cardueae tribe and Carduinae subtribe

Cirsium ochrocentrum—Yellowspine Thistle

Cirsium ochrocentrum is another Cardueae tribe and Carduinae subtribe member native to the central and southwestern USA, south into northern Mexico, where it thrives in dry, short-grass prairies and desert grasslands. It is a deeply taprooted perennial herb 30-100 cm tall with heavily branched stems covered in white hairs (tomentum). Intensely armed leaves are alternately arranged and deeply pinnatifid almost to the midrib with rigid, wavy, triangular lobes terminating in a long, bright straw-yellow spine and leaf bases that extend down the stem like wings (decurrent). Flowers are solitary discoid dome-shaped heads that are lavender purple to rose pink or rarely creamy white. Each overlapping involucral bract is armed with a spreading yellow spine with a dark resinous ridge.

Asteraceae: Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Carduinae Subtribe: Centaureinae Subtribe

Plectocephalus americanus is part of the Carduoideae subfamily in the Cardueae tribe and the Centaureinae subtribe of the Asteraceae

Plectocephalus americanus—American Basket-Flower

Plectocephalus americanus still appears under its synonym, Centaurea americana, but that genus is an Old World one. It is part of the Centaureinae subtribe of the Cardueae tribe, which often has these complex, paper-like, fringed, or comb-like structures on the tips of the involucral bracts, shown here overlapping so tightly they appear to form a basket. Unlike true thistles that have “normal” discoid heads, the Centaureinae have modified outer florets that look more like ray florets but are completely sterile, while the inner ones are shorter and bisexual and often paler in color.

Some Species of Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily Found in North America

Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichorineae Subtribe

Cichorium intybus is the most representative member of the Cichorioideae subfamily, it's part of the Cichoriinae subtribe

Cichorium intybus—Common Chicory

Cichorium intybus, or common chicory, is a classic representation of the Cichoriinae subtribe with ligulate (ray florets only) flower heads with 5-toothed tips, and every tissue in the plant secretes a milky white latex. The ligulate heads are 2-4 cm across, arranged in small stalkless clusters along the branches. Ray florets are a clear sky-blue but rarely can be pink or white, and they open in the morning but close by midday or when it’s cloudy. Leaves are alternately arranged and highly variable, becoming much smaller and less toothed, stalked, or lobed further up the stem, where they clasp with an arrow-like base. It is a Eurasian weed that has widely naturalized across North America; this was in Edgewood, BC, Canada.

Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe

Hieracium lachenalii is an Asteraceae of the Cichorioideae subfamily in the Hieraciinae subtribe

Hieracium lachenalii—Common Hawkweed

Hieracium lachenalii is an invasive Eurasian weed of the Hieraciinae subtribe that has widely naturalized across North America. It is a fibrous-rooted hardy perennial that grows 20-90 cm tall and does not have the aboveground runners of its invasive relatives. Leaves are in a basal rosette with coarsely and sharply toothed margins and a leafy flowering stem with leaves that become smaller and clasp the stem. Flowers are in loose round-topped clusters (cymes) in ligulate heads with overlapping bisexual and fertile ray florets with dark glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. This was in Pitt River, BC, Canada. 

Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe

Mycelis muralis is an Asteraceae of the Cichorioideae subfamily in the Lactucinae or lettuce subttribe

Mycelis muralis—Wall Lettuce

Mycelis muralis is another Eurasian weed widely naturalized in North America, where it thrives in shaded, moist forest understories like this one I found in Pender Harbour, BC, Canada. Wall Lettuce is a member of the Lactucinae, or lettuce subtribe. It is a slender, hairless annual or biennial 30-90 cm tall with fibrous roots and exuding a white, watery latex when bruised. Leaves are alternate with deeply pinnatifid blades with large distinct terminal lobes that are triangular and sharply toothed, narrowing to a winged petiole with clasping lobes (auricles) and becoming much reduced further up. Flowers are small ligulate heads containing 5 bright yellow florets, each with 5 involucral bracts and a tiny outer ring of reduced scales.  

Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe

Calycoseris wrightii is an Asteraceae of the Cichorioideae subfamily in the Microseridinae subtribe

Calycoseris wrightii—White Tackstem

Calycoseris wrightii is part of the Microseridinae subtribe of Cichorieae; this one is native to southwestern North America, where it thrives in arid deserts, washes, and caliche soils. It is a delicate low-branching spring or winter annual 5-30 cm tall with smooth hairless stems and milky white sap. Leaves are highly reduced, becoming thread-like up the stem until they look like tiny scales. Flowers are showy white ligulate heads with 5-toothed ray florets that are snowy-white but sometimes become pale yellow towards their base.

Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scorzonerinae Subtribe

Tragopogon dubius is a widespread weedy member of the Cichorioideae subfamily in the Scorzonerinae subtribe

Tragopogon dubius—Yellow Salsify

Tragopogon dubius is part of the Scorzonerinae subtribe of the Cichorieae tribe that is native to Eurasia but has invaded virtually all of North America in the past century. It is a robust biennial, occasionally annual, herb 30-100 cm tall from a fleshy white taproot. Leaves are alternate and look like blades of grass except they widen at their base to clasp the stems. It produces large solitary terminal ligulate heads 4-6 cm across made of lemon-yellow 5-toothed strap-shaped florets. This species can be identified by its 8-13 long, lance-shaped involucral bracts that extend far past the petal-like ray florets, giving it a starburst green border. Heads open in the morning and close by noon.

Asteraceae: Mutisioideae Subfamily: Nassauvieae Subtribe

Acourtia nana is part of the Mutisioideae subfamily in the Nassauvieae tribe of Asteraceae

Acourtia nana—Dwarf Desert Peony

Acourtia nana is part of the Mutisioideae subfamily and the Nassauvieae tribe, native to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern USA and northern Mexico. It is a dwarf tufted perennial growing 5-20 cm tall, spreading from rhizomes with erect, mostly unbranched stems. Leaves are alternate and distinct for being rigidly leathery, smooth, and waxy lime-green to blue-green with coarsely wavy-toothed margins that terminate with a long straw-colored spine resembling holly. Its flower heads are unique, being strictly two-lipped (bilabiate) with an outer, wider lip with 3 teeth and an inner lip that splits into 2 narrow, curling ribbons.

Asteraceae: Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe

Vernonia baldwinii is a member of the Vernonioideae subfamily and Vernonieae tribe, a member of the Asteraceae

Vernonia baldwinii—Western Ironweed

Vernonia baldwinii is an Asteraceae that is part of the Vernonioideae subfamily and the Vernonieae tribe and Vernoniinae subtribe that is native to the central USA (this one was in Oklahoma). It is a clump-forming leafy perennial herb 60-150 cm tall from short rhizomes, forming colonies. Leaves are alternate and simple, tapering to a point with sharply toothed margins and an upper surface that is sandpaper-like and a lower one with soft hairs and yellow resin glands. Flowers are small but showy discoid heads made of 15-35 long disc florets in royal purple-magenta, with heads arranged in flat-topped terminal clusters (corymbose cymes). 

Scientific Botanical Description of the Asteraceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Asteraceae Family

The Asteraceae consist mostly of perennial, biennial, and annual herbs, but sometimes they also come in tree, arborescent, shrub, or vine form, which may be the standard form in certain tribes or subtribes. Plants may be normal, but some are switch plants, and others are succulents. They are helophytic, mesophytic, or xerophytic, or rarely they are rooted hydrophytes (e.g., some Bidens, Cotula).

The Asteraceae are often laticiferous, nearly always in Cichorioideae, but they may be non-laticiferous without colored juice, as in almost all Asteroideae. They might have essential oils or resins but may not. Plants often grow from a taproot, but some species have fibrous root systems, and some form caudices or rhizomes.  

Herbaceous stems are aerial, branched, and cylindrical, generally erect and self-supporting but can be prostrate or ascending or, rarely, climbing; they have glandular hairs. 

Asteraceae leaves may be well-developed or sometimes are much reduced, and they often form a basal aggregation. Leaves usually lack stipules. Leaves of hydrophytes are both submerged and emergent. Leaves are usually arranged in an alternate spiral but may occasionally be opposite or whorled. They are herbaceous, leathery, fleshy, membranous, or modified into spines and are petiolate to sessile. They may be sheathing when present margins are free. Leaves may be gland-dotted and may be aromatic, fetid, or odorless. The leaves are simple or compound from primordial lobes and are sometimes peltate.  

The leaf lamina may be entire or dissected, pinnatifid, palmatifid, runcinate, or spinose. Lamina margins are entire, crenate, serrate, or dentate and may be flat, revolute, or involute. Domatia (pits) are seen in Vernonia. Leaf lamina is variously dorsiventral (usually), bifacial, or centric. Stomata is usually anomocytic or anisocytic. Hairs are usually present and appear exclusively multicellular, uniseriate or multiseriate, branched, or simple. They often lack glands and display diverse types of shaggy, candelabra-like, bladder-like, or peltate scales or may have glandular hairs with uniseriate or multiseriate stalks and unicellular or multicellular heads, sometimes depressed below the leaf surface, resulting in pellucid dots and sometimes laticiferous. Lamina usually has secretory cavities with resins or latex. The mesophyll may or may not have crystals.

Flowers of the Asteraceae Family

Plants come in a wide variety of sexual forms, including gynomonoecious (usually with hermaphrodite disc florets and female ray florets), hermaphrodite, monoecious, dioecious, and rarely androdioecious, gynodioecious, or polygamonomoecious. Pollination is mostly entomophilous but is also anemophilous, especially in the hay fever plants of the Anthemideae tribe. The pollination mechanism is conspicuously specialized via stylar modification with active presentation or with irritable stamens in the Cynareae. However, anemophilous forms are unspecialized.

Asteraceae have unique inflorescences that are nearly always pseudanthial indeterminate composite heads except when primary heads are reduced to single florets and are grouped into secondary heads (e.g., Echinops). They may have radiate heads (both ligulate/ray and disc flowers) or either ligulate or disc florets (discoid heads) and often have involucral bracts that often resemble a calyx, especially when bracts are only present in one series. 

Ligulate (ray) florets vary in number in radiate heads but may be absent altogether in species like the Carduoideae with disciform heads. Other species (like dandelions) have only ray florets, but all are still composite flowers attached to a pitted disc. 

Flowers are bracteate (bracts forming an involucre in one to several series), individually minute to small, regular to very irregular (those in each head are all alike and ligulate zygomorphic (Cichorioideae)), variously all tubular actinomorphic (in Asteroideae), or combining central actinomorphic and marginal ray florets. Flowers are 5(4)-merous and tricyclic or tetracyclic. 

The perianth usually has a distinct calyx and corolla or may be petaline (the calyx is sometimes absent in Ambrosia and relatives), made of 3–35 (rarely fewer) parts in 1 or 2 whorls. 

A calyx, when present, is made of 2–30 parts (rarely 1) but is usually represented by scales, awns, or bristles in 1 whorl. It is often accrescent, becoming the pappus, but occasionally it does not persist. 

Corolla 1–3 on ligulate florets or 5(4) on disc florets, always in 1 whorl. It is connate, and ligulate florets are usually fused and lie on their side to look like a single “petal” with 3(2) lobes. It is valvate and may be unequal, regular, or bilabiate (in Mutisieae).

Androecium of the Asteraceae Family

The androecium is made of 3–5 all fertile members in 1 whorl, adnate to the corolla tube, alternating with the lobes, and opposite the sepals; they are coherent. Stamens are short and filamentous with anthers cohering, almost always forming a tube around the style with a few exceptions in anemophilous Anthemideae. Anthers are basifixed, dehiscing via longitudinal slits, and are tetrasporangiate or occasionally bisporangiate. Anthers are usually appendaged apically or sometimes also basal.

Asteraceae members typically produce bisexual flowers, especially the disc florets, which have both male parts (stamens) and female parts (ovary, style, stigma) in the same flower.

Gynoecium of the Asteraceae Family

The gynoecium is 2-carpeled, the pistil 1-celled, and the ovary 1-locular. It is median, synovarious to synstylovarious, and is always inferior. An epigynous disk is usually present around the base of the 2 styles. Styles are partially joined and attenuate from the ovary. There are 2 stigmas that are dry type, papillate, and Group II type. Placentation is always basal with 1 ovule per cavity that is ascending, non-arillate, anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate.  

Fruit of the Asteraceae Family

The fruits are almost always non-fleshy, indehiscent cypselas, but occasionally they can be a drupe. The dispersal unit is typically via the remaining hairy pappus that carries the cypsela in the wind. 

Seeds are non-endospermic or very thin. They may be oval, flat, or rounded and are typically straw, brown, or nearly black in color.  

Taxonomy of the Asteraceae Family

The Asteraceae is currently the largest plant family in the world, with the Orchidaceae as a close second, although the latter has often been first, depending on the progress of new species descriptions by scientists. The Asteraceae currently has at least 25,040 species in 1,610 genera of the Asterales order, within the core eudicot clade. We have it broken into 16 subfamilies as follows:

  1. Asteroideae is the largest subfamily of Asteraceae, containing ~70% of the family’s species found worldwide. Members are typically characterized by radiate flower heads with three-lobed, usually female ray florets, bisexual disc florets, and distinctive style branches with stigmatic bands terminating in sterile appendages with sweeping hairs. However, some members do have discoid or disciform heads, and occasionally the ray florets are sterile. Here we will break the subfamily into its 22 currently accepted tribes to make them more manageable. Note that each tribe is further broken down into subtribes, but my goal here is to give a thorough overview and not get too ‘stuck in the weeds,’ so to speak.
  2. Barnadesioideae are the earliest diverging lineage of the Asteraceae and retain several ancestral characteristics. They are perennial herbs, shrubs, or trees possessing tracheids with bordered pits and bicellular hairs. Leaves are alternate and entire, the receptacle is flat and pilose, and the phyllaries are often colored. Cypselas are often ribbed and usually villous, with various pappus hairs. It is endemic to South America.
  3. Carduoideae is the thistle subfamily of the Asteraceae, found nearly worldwide but mostly concentrated around the Mediterranean Basin, southern Africa, and southwestern Asia, although some members are native to the Americas. It is a large and diverse subfamily of annual and perennial herbs or shrubs to small trees, often recognizable by their spiny leaves and involucral bracts (although some are unarmed) and exclusively discoid flower heads made of tubular florets (no ray florets). The style branches typically bear sweeping hairs, and the cypselae usually carry a well-developed pappus of scales or bristles for wind dispersal. The subfamily is divided here into two tribes after the transfer of the Oldenburgieae and Dicomeae tribes to the new Dicomoideae subfamily based on modern molecular phylogenetics.
  4. Chicorioideae, or the chicory subfamily, is a distinctive subfamily of the Asteraceae with a single tribe, the Cichorieae. All have white latex, and almost all have flower heads with 5-dentate, mostly yellow, ligulate, bisexual flowers (ray florets only). Most members have alternate leaves, often in basal rosettes, and cypselae with a persistent pappus of bristles, scales, or both, used for wind dispersal. The subfamily consists of about 1,800 sexually reproducing species plus thousands of apomictic microspecies, so species numbers here are often approximate and do not include apomictic microspecies. The subfamily shows the greatest diversity in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, especially Eurasia and the Mediterranean, but it is also well represented in the Americas. While their ligulate flowers and white latex make them easy to recognize, extensive parallel evolution has caused instabilities in classification. This classification follows the subtribal classification as maintained by the International Cichorieae Network, which reflects the latest molecular phylogenetic research. Thus, not all my classifications will agree with older sources, but I try to use the most up-to-date ones. For further clarity, we break into subtribes to enable meaningful comparisons.
  5. Dicomoideae was recently transferred from Carduoideae as a separate subfamily of the Asteraceae, restricted to Africa and Madagascar. They are perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees with alternate and often densely hairy or leathery leaves adapted to dry habitats and are mostly armed with spines or thorn-like branches. Flower heads are discoid, and the involucral bracts are often rigid or spiny. Cypselae generally have a pappus of rough or feathery bristles for wind dispersal.  
  6. Famatinanthoideae is a monospecific early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily (Famatinanthus decussatus) found in Andean Argentina. It is a small shrub with a clasping petiole, phyllaries in 3 series, and a head made of bilabiate ray florets.
  7. Gochnatioideae is a small, early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily with a center of diversity in South America and significant additional diversity in the Caribbean and north into the southern United States. It consists of shrubs, small trees, and some perennial herbs. Members have alternate leaves, usually solitary or few-headed capitula, and short, rounded style branches that are glabrous on the back, a distinctive feature separating them from several related subfamilies. Flower heads are usually discoid, but some possess peripheral female florets that produce a radiate appearance.
  8. Gymnarrhenoideae is a small, early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily with a highly disjunct geographical and ecological distribution from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East to the alpine habitats of the Himalayas. It consists of one annual and one perennial herb, which both have dimorphic capitula, functionally unisexual florets, and basal leaf rosettes.
  9. Hecastocleidoideae is another small, early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily, but it’s endemic to the arid mountains of the southwestern United States, where it grows on desert scrub and pinyon-juniper woodlands. It consists of only a single species of spiny, drought-adapted shrub with rigid, spine-tipped leaves, unusual clusters of single-flowered capitula, and deeply lobed, bisexual florets, with cypselae having a reduced pappus of unequal scales.
  10. Multisoideae are more or less shrubby Asteraceae plants mostly from South America, although a few genera have spread to nearly every continent. Members are mostly herbs with deeply lobed disc florets, tailed anthers, and prominently exserted, mostly hairless styles, but some species are vines, shrubs, or small trees.
  11. Pertyoideae is a small Asteraceae subfamily restricted to Asia made of perennial herbs, subshrubs, and shrubs with alternate or basal leaves, solitary or few-headed capitula, and florets with deeply divided but weakly bilabiate corollas. Members possess short, often hairy or papillose style branches, and cypselae have a persistent pappus of bristles or scales.
  12. Stifftioideae is a small South American Asteraceae subfamily of mostly shrubs and small trees with a few perennial herbs with alternate leaves. Flowers are large, discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets and long, deeply divided corollas that are often brightly colored for pollination by birds or large insects. The 10-ribbed cypselae typically have a persistent plumose pappus for wind dispersal.
  13. Vernonioideae is a large and diverse subfamily of Asteraceae, centered in tropical and subtropical regions, with major centers of diversity in tropical and southern Africa, the tropical Andes, Brazil, Madagascar, and parts of tropical Asia. Members include annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbing plants, with most having alternate leaves and discoid heads made of tubular bisexual florets in purple, pink, lavender, white, yellow, or orange depending on the tribe, and the cypselae typically have a persistent pappus of capillary, scabrid, or bristly hairs. Here we break the Vernonioideae subfamily into its six currently accepted tribes.
  14. Wunderlichioideae is another small early diverging Asteraceae subfamily with an interesting disjunct distribution from the Guiana Highlands and eastern Brazil to eastern Asia. They are mostly shrubs and small trees with alternate leaves, with a few perennial herbs adapted to seasonally dry or montane environments. Members have discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets, glabrous style branches, and cypselae with a pappus of numerous bristles.

Genera of the Asteraceae Family:

Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe:

The Anthemideae is an Asteraceae tribe with primary centers of diversity in the Mediterranean, Asia, and southern Africa and includes familiar members commonly called “chamomile,” among others. It is also widespread from North to South America, but with much less diversity. Members are typically annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs that are often very aromatic from abundant essential oils. Leaves are often finely divided or dissected. Flowers are radiate or discoid, with receptacles that bear scales or become conical in fruit. The cypselae usually lack a pappus or have a reduced crown.  

Achillea (141), Adenanthellum (1), Adenoglossa (1), Ajania (44), Allardia (9), Anacyclus (9), Anthemis (166), Arctanthemum (2), Argyranthemum (23), Artemisia (515), Athanasia (41), Brachanthemum (10), Brocchia (1), Cancrinia (5), Cancriniella (1), Castrilanthemum (1), Chamaemelum (2), Chlamydophora (1), Chrysanthemum (34), Chrysanthoglossum (2), Cladanthus (5), Coleostephus (3), Cota (37), Cotula (51), Cymbopappus (3), Daveaua (1), Delwiensia (1), Elachanthemum (1), Endopappus (1), Eriocephalus (37), Eumorphia (6), Foveolina (5), Glebionis (2), Glossopappus (1), Glyptopleura (2), Gonospermum (7), Gymnopentzia (1), Handelia (1), Heliocauta (1), Heteranthemis (1), Heteromera (2), Hilliardia (1), Hippia (8), Hippolytia (15), Hulteniella (1), Hymenolepis (9), Hymenostemma (1), Inezia (2), Inulanthera (10), Ismelia (1), Kaschgaria (1?), Lasiospermum (4), Lepidolopha (8), Lepidolopsis (2), Lepidophorum (1), Leptinella (35), Leucanthemella (2), Leucanthemopsis (10), Leucanthemum (51), Leucoptera (3), Lidbeckia (3), Lonas (1), Marasmodes (13), Matricaria (6), Mauranthemum (4), Mecomischus (2), Microcephala (4), Myxopappus (2), Nananthea (1), Nipponanthemum (), Nivellea (1), Oncosiphon (8), Opisthopappus (1), Osmitopsis (9), Otoglyphis (2), Otospermum (1), Pentzia (31), Phalacrocarpum (1), Phymaspermum (22), Picrothamnus (1 or syn. Artemisia), Plagius (3), Polychrysum (1), Prolongoa (1), Pseudoglossanthis (5), Pseudohandelia (1), Rhetinolepis (1), Rhodanthemum (15), Richteria (11), Santolina (28), Schistostephium (13), Sclerorhachis (8), Soliva (6), Sphaeromeria (? or syn. Artemisia), Stilpnolepis (1), Tanacetopsis (24), Tanacetum (134), Thaminophyllum (3), Trichanthemis (6), Tridactylina (1), Tripleurospermum (42), Tzvelevopyrethrum (3), Ugamia (1), Ursinia (45), Vogtia (2), Xylanthemum (7).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe:

The Astereae are the second-largest tribe in the Asteroideae subfamily by species number but the largest by genus, including familiar members like sunflowers and asters, which make it easy to recognize them as members of the Asteraceae. Its primary centers of diversity are North and South America but also Australia and southern Africa, making it one of the most geographically widespread tribes. It includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and even a few trees. Leaves are generally alternate but are opposite in some genera. They typically have radiate flower heads with numerous narrow ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets. Cypselae usually have a well-developed papus of bristles for wind dispersal. 

Acamptopappus (2), Adeia (2), Adiaphila (1), Almutaster (1), Apopyros (2), Amellus (12), Ampelaster (1), Amphiachyris (2), Amphipappus (1), Apodocephala (12), Achnophora (1), Afroaster (18), Aphanostephus (5), Aquilula (1), Archibaccharis (36), Arctogeron (1), Aster (151), Asterothamnus (7), Astranthium (11), Aztecaster (2), Baccharis (436), Bathysanthus (1), Batopilasia (1), Bellis (15), Bellium (5), Benitoa (1), Bigelowia (2), Blakiella (1), Boltonia (6), Brachyscome (102), Bradburia (2), Brintonia (1), Cabreraea (1), Callistephus (1), Calotis (28), Camptacra (4), Canadanthus (1), Celmisia (69), Ceruana (1), Chaetopappa (12), Chamaegeron (4), Chaochienchangia (1), Chiliophyllum (1), Chiliotrichiopsis (3), Chiliotrichum (3), Chlamydites (1), Chloracantha (3), Chrysocoma (23), Chrysoma (1), Chrysopsis (11), Chrysothamnus (9),Ceratogyne (1), Colobanthera (1), Columbiadoria (1), Commidendrum (4), Conyza (? most now Erigeron), Cordiofontis (5), Corethrogyne (1), Croptilon (3), Cuniculotinus (1), Dacryotrichia (1), Damnamenia (1), Denekia (1), Dichaetophora (1), Dichrocephala (4), Dichromochlamys (1), Dieteria (4), Dimorphocoma (1), Diplostephium (56), Doellingeria (3), Eastwoodia (1), Egletes (7), Engleria (2), Ephedrides (1), Ericameria (37), Erigeron (462), Erodiophyllum (2), Eschenbachia (12), Eucephalus (10), Eurybia (27), Euthamia (13), Exostigma (2), Felicia (86), Floscaldasia (), Flosmutisia (1), Formania (1), Galatella (34), Geissolepis (1), Geothamnus (1), Grangea (10), Grangeopsis (1), Grauanthus (2), Griersonia (3), Grindelia (80), Gundlachia (2), Gutierrezia (35), Guynesomia (1), Gymnosperma (1), Gyrodoma (1), Haplopappus (75), Haroldia (1), Hazardia (11), Helodeaster (3), Heteromma (2), Heteroplexis (3), Heterotheca (69), Hinterhubera (9), Hullsia (1), Hysterionica (12), Inulopsis (4), Ionactis (6), Iotasperma (2), Iranoaster (1), Isocoma (16), Iteroloba (1), Ixiochlamys (4), Jeffreya (2), Katinasia (1), Kemulariella (6), Keysseria (11), Kieslingia (1), Kippistia (1), Lachnophyllum (2), Laennecia (19), Laestadia (6), Lagenocypsela (2), Lagenophora (25), Landerolaria (10), Lepidophyllum (1), Leptostelma (6), Lessingia (12), Leucosyris (9), Linealia (1), Linochilus (59), Llerasia (14), Lorandersonia (6), Machaeranthera (2), Madagaster (5), Mairia (6), Medranoa (5), Melanodendron (1), Metamyriactis (5), Microglossa (10), Microgyne (2), Minuria (15), Monoptilon (), Mtonia (1), Muellerolaria (2), Myriactis (10), Nannoglottis (9), Nardophyllum (7), Neja (5), Neobrachyactis (4), Neolaria (3), Nestotus (3), Nidorella (30), Nolletia (14), Noticastrum (21), Novaguinea (1), Novenia (1), Oclemena (3), Olearia (75), Oonopsis (6), Oreochrysum (1), Oreostemma (3), Oritrophium (25), Osbertia (3), Pacifigeron (2), Pappochroma (9), Parastrephia (3), Pentachaeta (6), Peripleura (9), Petradoria (1), Phaseolaster (3), Pilbara (1), Piora (1), Pityopsis (12), Plagiocheilus (6), Pleurophyllum (3), Podocoma (7), Poecilolepis (2), Polyarrhena (4), Printzia (6), Psiadia (51), Psilactis (6), Psychrogeton (24), Pteronia (76), Pyrrocoma (15-79), Pytinicarpa (5), Rayjacksonia (3), Remya (3), Rhamphogyne (1 extinct), Rigiopappus (1), Rochonia (4), Roodebergia (1), Sanrobertia (1), Sericocarpus (6), Sheareria (1), Solidago (140), Sommerfeltia (2), Spongotrichum (2), Stenotus (3), Stephanodoria (1), Symphyotrichum (102), Talamancaster (6), Tetramolopium (40), Thespis (4), Thurovia (1), Tibetiodes (27), Toiyabea (4), Tomentaurum (2), Tonestus (2), Townsendia (31), Tracyina (1), Tripolium (3), Turczaninovia (1), Vicinia (2), Vittadinia (24), Walsholaria (4), Welwitschiella (1), Westoniella (6), Wollemiaster (1), Xanthisma (? POWO says syn. Sideranthus), Xanthocephalum (5), Xylorhiza (11), Xylothamia (3), and Zyrphelis (21).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Athroismeae Tribe:

The Athroismeae are a small Asteraceae tribe of herbs and small shrubs, often adapted to dry habitats. They typically have alternate leaves and small, usually discoid flower heads arranged in dense clusters. Cypselae often have a short crown-like pappus or are lacking entirely. It is mostly from Africa, Madagascar, and tropical Asia. In the Americas it is mostly absent, with only one Centipeda species native to C. Chile. 

Anisochaeta (1), Anisopappus (46), Artemisiopsis (1), Athroisma (12), Blepharispermum (15), Centipeda (10), Leucoblepharis (1), and Symphyllocarpus (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe:

The Bahieae are a fairly small Asteraceae tribe of annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs mostly adapted to arid climates. Leaves are often opposite near the base but become alternate further up the stem. Flower heads are usually radiate with yellow florets, and the cypselae often have scales or short awns rather than long bristles. This tribe is almost entirely restricted to North America, especially the southwestern USA and Mexico. 

Achyropappus (3), Apostates (1), Bahia (? or syn. Eriphyllum), Bartlettia (1), Chaetymenia (1), Chamaechaenactis (1), Espejoa (1), Florestina (8), Holoschkuhria (1), Hymenopappus (13), Hymenothrix (11), Hypericophyllum (13), Loxothysanus (2), Nothoschkuhria (1), Palafoxia (12), Peucephyllum (1), Picradeniopsis (8), Platyschkuhria (1), Psathyrotopsis (3), Schkuhria (2), Thymopsis (2).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Calenduleae Tribe:

The Calenduleae are a small Asteraceae tribe mostly from southern Africa and the Mediterranean, although they have been introduced elsewhere. Members are herbs or subshrubs with alternate leaves and often large, showy radiate heads. Ray florets are often female and produce dimorphic fruits, while disc florets are bisexual. Cypselae often differ significantly in shape even in the same flower head.

Calendula (18), Dimorphotheca (21), Garuleum (8), Gibbaria (2), and Osteospermum (74).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Chaenactideae Tribe:

This Asteraceae tribe is almost entirely endemic to western North America, adapted to deserts and seasonally dry habitats. It includes annual and perennial herbs with finely divided leaves and radiate or discoid flower heads. Receptacles usually have chaffy scales, and the pappus may have scales, short bristles, or be absent.

Chaenactis (19), Dimeresia (1), Orochaenactis (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe:

The Coreopsideae tribe is centered around Mexico and Central America but can be found throughout the Americas as well as tropical Africa and has been introduced elsewhere. It consists of herbs, shrubs, and a few small trees with opposite or alternate leaves and usually showy radiate heads, often made of bright yellow or bright orange ray florets, making them popular garden plants. Cypselae are often flattened with barbed awns or scales to facilitate dispersal by animals.

Bidens (224), Burnellia (28), Chrysanthellum (14), Coreocarpus (7), Coreopsis (39), Cosmos (36), Cyathomone (1), Dahlia (42), Dicranocarpus (1), Diodontium (1), Ericentrodea (6), Fitchia (7), Glossocardia (13), Goldmanella (1), Henricksonia (1), Heterosperma (11), Hidalgoa (3), Isostigma (13), Koehneola (1), Moonia (2), Narvalina (2), Oparanthus (7), Petrobium (1), Pinillosia (1), Tetraperone (1), Thelesperma (12), Trioncinia (2). 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Doroniceae Tribe:

This monogeneric Asteraceae tribe is located in the mountains of Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and western Asia and is not found in the Americas. It is a group of perennial herbs, often from rhizomes or tuberous roots, with simple alternate to basal leaves. Flower heads are typically solitary and radiate with yellow ray and disc florets and a naked receptacle. Cypselae usually have a pappus of fine bristles. a reduced crown.  

Doronicum (30).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe:

The second-largest tribe in the Asteroideae subfamily, and the Asteraceae as a whole, is almost exclusively endemic to the Americas, especially the neotropics, with ~2-3 genera found naturally outside the Americas and some others now introduced. Members are herbs, shrubs, climbers, and even some small trees; leaves are often opposite. They have discoid flower heads made almost entirely of tubular bisexual florets, and style branches often are elongated with sweeping hairs. Cypselae usually have a conspicuous pappus.

Acanthostyles (2), Acritopappus (19), Adenocritonia (2), Adenostemma (23), Ageratella (1), Ageratina (316), Ageratum (38), Agrianthus (9), Alomia (4), Alomiella (2), Amboroa (2), Amolinia (1), Antillia (1), Aristeguietia (21), Arrojadocharis (2), Asanthus (3), Ascidiogyne (2), Asplundianthus (11), Austrobrickellia (3), Austrocritonia (4), Austroeupatorium (15), Ayapana (17), Ayapanopsis (17), Badilloa (11), Bahianthus (1), Barrosoa (11), Bartlettina (43), Bejaranoa (2), Bishopiella (1), Bishovia (2), Brickellia (110), Brickelliastrum (2), Campovassouria (2), Campuloclinium (16), Carminatia (5), Carphephorus (5), Carphochaete (7), Castanedia (1), Catolesia (3), Cavalcantia (2), Centenaria (1), Chacoa (1), Chromolaena (163), Ciceronia (1), Condylidium (2), Condylopodium (6), Conocliniopsis (1), Conoclinium (6), Corethamnium (1), Critonia (37), Critoniadelphus (2), Critoniella (6), Cronquistianthus (23), Crossothamnus (4), Dasycondylus (9), Decachaeta (9), Diacranthera (3), Dissothrix (1), Disynaphia (14), Eitenia (2), Ellenbergia (1), Eupatoriastrum (9), Eupatorina (1), Eupatoriopsis (1), Eupatorium (69), Eutrochium (5), Ferreyrella (2), Fleischmannia (98), Fleischmanniopsis (5), Flyriella (4), Garberia (1), Gardnerina (1), Gongrostylus (2), Goyazianthus (1), Grazielia (12), Grisebachianthus (7), Grosvenoria (6), Guayania (5), Guevaria (5), Gymnocondylus (1), Gymnocoronis (4), Gyptidium (2), Gyptis (6), Hartwrightia (1), Hatschbachiella (2), Hebeclinium (28), Helogyne (8), Heterocondylus (15), Hofmeisteria (12), Hughesia (1), Idiothamnus (4), Iltisia (2), Imeria (1), Isocarpha (6), Jaliscoa (3), Jaramilloa (2), Kaunia (10), Koanophyllon (127), Kyrsteniopsis (6), Lapidia (1), Lasiolaena (7), Lepidesmia (1), Leptoclinium (1), Liatris (42), Litothamnus (3), Lomatozona (4), Lorentzianthus (1), Lourteigia (12), Macropodina (3), Macvaughiella (4), Malmeanthus (3), Malperia (1), Mexianthus (1), Microspermum (8), Mikania (447), Monogereion (1), Morithamnus (2), Neocabreria (6), Neocuatrecasia (13), Neomirandea (26), Nesomia (1), Nothobaccharis (1), Ophryosporus (42), Osmiopsis (1), Oxylobus (7), Paneroa (1), Parapiqueria (1), Peteravenia (5), Phalacraea (4), Phania (3), Piqueria (6), Piqueriella (1), Planaltoa (2), Platypodanthera (1), Pleurocoronis (3), Polyanthina (1), Praxeliopsis (1), Praxelis (19), Prolobus (1), Pseudobrickellia (3), Radlkoferotoma (4), Raulinoreitzia (3), Santosia (1), Scherya (1), Sciadocephala (7), Sclerolepis (1), Semiria (1), Shinnersia (1), Siapaea (1), Spaniopappus (5), Sphaereupatorium (1), Standleyanthus (1), Stevia (268), Steviopsis (5), Steyermarkina (4), Stomatanthes (10), Stylotrichium (6), Symphyopappus (13), Tamaulipa (1), Teixeiranthus (2), Trichocoronis (2), Trichogonia (20), Trichogoniopsis (3), Trilisa (3), Tuberostylis (2), Uleophytum (1), Urolepis (1), Vittetia (2), Zyzyura (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Feddeeae Tribe:

This monospecific Asteraceae tribe is a woody scrambling shrub with alternate leaves and small discoid flower heads, a reduced pappus, and unique floral characteristics. It is critically endangered and found only on serpentine soils in eastern Cuba.

Feddea (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe:

Most genera of the Gnaphalieae tribe of Asteraceae are from Australia, followed by Southern Africa, but they are a cosmopolitan genus, and another smaller center of diversity is found in South America, and they are still relatively common throughout the Americas. Members are herbs and shrubs, often covered with dense white or gray woolly hairs. Flowers are usually discound heads surrounded by dry, papery involucral bracts that often remain colorful after flowering. Cypselae generally possess a well-developed pappus.

Acanthocladium (1), Achyrocline (44), Acomis (4), Actinobole (4), Alatoseta (1), Ammobium (3), Amphiglossa (2), Anaphalioides (7), Anaphalis (110), Anaxeton (10), Ancistrocarphus (2), Anderbergia (6), Anemocarpa (3), Angianthus (20), Antennaria (45), Apalochlamys (1), Argentipallium (4), Argyroglottis (1), Argyrotegium (4), Arrowsmithia (12), Asteridea (9), Athrixia (15), Atrichantha (1), Basedowia (1), Bellida (1), Belloa (4), Berroa (1), Blennospora (3), Bombycilaena (2), Callilepis (10), Calocephalus (15), Calomeria (3), Calotesta (1), Cassinia (64), Castroviejoa (2), Catatia (2), Cephalipterum (1), Cephalosorus (1), Chamaepus (1), Chevreulia (6), Chiliocephalum (2), Chionolaena (12), Chondropyxis (1), Chryselium (1), Chrysocephalum (10), Chthonocephalus (6), Cladochaeta (1), Coronidium (18), Craspedia (33), Cremnothamnus (1), Cuatrecasasiella (2), Decazesia (1), Diaperia (3), Dielitzia (1), Dithyrostegia (2), Dolichothrix (1), Edmondia (3), Epitriche (1), Eriochlamys (4), Erymophyllum (5), Euchiton (17), Ewartia (4), Ewartiothamnus (1), Facelis (3), Feldstonia (1), Filago (52), Fitzwillia (1), Fluminaria (1), Galeomma (2), Gamochaeta (60), Gilberta (1), Gilruthia (1), Gnaphaliothamnus (16), Gnaphalium (36), Gnephosis (17), Gnomophalium (1), Gratwickia (1), Haeckeria (3), Haegiela (1), Haptotrichion (2), Helichrysopsis (1), Helichrysum (564), Hesperevax (3), Humeocline (1), Hyalochlamys (1), Hyalosperma (9), Hydroidea (1), Ifloga (15), Ixiolaena (2), Ixodia (2), Jalcophila (4), Lachnospermum (5), Langebergia (1), Lasiopogon (7), Lawrencella (2), Leiocarpa (10), Lemooria (1), Leontopodium (59), Lepidostephium (2), Leptorhynchos (11), Leucochrysum (5), Leucogenes (4), Leucophyta (1), Leysera (3), Libinhania (13), Logfia (5), Lucilia (10), Metalasia (57), Mexerion (3), Micropsis (5), Micropus (3), Millotia (17), Mniodes (22), Myriocephalus (15), Neotysonia (1), Nestlera (1), Oedera (40), Omalotheca (9), Oxylaena (1), Ozothamnus (47), Paenula (1), Parantennaria (1), Pentatrichia (5), Petalacte (1), Phaenocoma (1), Phagnalon (32), Pithocarpa (5), Planea (1), Plecostachys (2), Podolepis (19), Podotheca (8), Pogonolepis (3), Polycalymma (1), Pseudognaphalium (108), Psilocarphus (5), Pterochaeta (1), Pterygopappus (1), Pycnosorus (6), Quinetia (1), Quinqueremulus (1), Rachelia (1), Raoulia (23), Raouliopsis (2), Rhetinocarpha (1), Rhodanthe (46), Rhynchopsidium (2), Rutidosis (9), Schoenia (5), Siemssenia (2), Siloxerus (5), Sondottia (2), Stenocline (2), Stoebe (54), Stuartina (), Stylocline (2), Syncarpha (21), Syncephalum (5), Taplinia (1), Tenrhynea (1), Thiseltonia (2), Tietkensia (1), Trichanthodium (4), Triptilodiscus (1), Troglophyton (6), Vellereophyton (7), Waitzia (7), Xerochrysum (25).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe:

This Asteraceae tribe is overwhelmingly American and most diverse in southern North America, especially Mexico, where many are endemic. Helenieae are mostly annual and perennial herbs with radiate or discoid flower heads and often aromatic leaves. The receptacle typically has chaffy scales, while the pappus may be absent, scaled, or awned. Many are found in grasslands, deserts, and open woods. 

Amblyolepis (1), Baileya (3), Balduina (3), Gaillardia (22), Helenium (33), Hymenoxys (26), Marshallia (9), Ovicula (1), Pelucha (1), Plateilema (1), Psathyrotes (3), Psilostrophe (7), Tetraneuris (9), Trichoptilium (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe:

The Heliantheae or Sunflower tribe of the Asteraceae are overwhelmingly concentrated in Mexico and Central America with high rates of endemism and diversity, but they are also found throughout the Americas, with approximately 7 genera endemic to Africa, Asia, and Australia and some having broader pantropical distributions. Most Heliantheae are herbs or shrubs, but some grow to the size of small trees. Leaves are usually hairy or rough and arranged in opposite pairs but may be alternate and often contain resin glands. Flowers are usually in radiate or discoid heads with receptacles with chaffy bracts, and the cypselae typically lack a conspicuous pappus. The anthers are usually blackened, and specialized pollination is common in the tribe.

Acmella (36), Agnorhiza (5), Aldama (117), Ambrosia (46), Aspilia (62), Austroflourensia (12), Bahiopsis (12), Balsamorhiza (11), Baltimora (2), Berlandiera (11), Blainvillea (5), Borrichia (3), Calanticaria (5), Calyptocarpus (3), Chromolepis (1), Chrysogonum (7), Clibadium (39), Damnxanthodium (1), Davilanthus (7), Delilia (2), Dicoria (3), Dimerostemma (32), Dendroviguiera (14), Dugesia (1), Echinacea (9), Eclipta (6), Elaphandra (14), Electranthera (3),  Eleutheranthera (2), Encelia (22), Enceliopsis (3), Engelmannia (1), Eremosis (25), Exomiocarpon (1), Euphrosyne (5), Fenixia (1), Flourensia (13), Geraea (2), Gonzalezia (3), Hedosyne (1), Heiseria (3), Helianthella (11), Helianthus (56), Heliomeris (6), Heliopsis (15), Hoffmanniella (1), Hybridella (2), Hymenostephium (22), Idiopappus (1), Indocypraea (1), Iogeton (1), Iostephane (4), Iva (10), Jefea (5), Kingianthus (2), Lagascea (9), Lantanopsis (3), Lasianthaea (16), Leptocarpha (1), Lindheimera (1), Lipochaeta (20), Lipotriche (12), Lundellianthus (8), Melanthera (4), Monactis (12), Montanoa (29), Oblivia (3), Otopappus (17), Oxycarpha (1), Oyedaea (24), Pappobolus (37), Parthenice (1), Parthenium (19), Pascalia (2), Pentalepis (6), Perymeniopsis (1), Perymenium (65), Philactis (4), Phoebanthus (2), Plagiolophus (1), Podachaenium (6), Podanthus (2), Ratibida (7), Rensonia (1), Riencourtia (6), Rojasianthe (1), Rudbeckia (31), Salmea (11), Sanvitalia (6), Scabrethia (1), Scalesia (15), Schizoptera (1), Sclerocarpus (9), Sidneya (2), Silphium (22), Simsia (30), Sphagneticola (4), Spilanthes (7), Squamopappus (1), Steiractinia (14), Syncretocarpus (3), Synedrella (1), Synedrellopsis (1), Tehuana (1), Tetrachyron (10), Tetranthus (4), Tilesia (3), Tithonia (12), Trichocoryne (1), Trigonopterum (1), Tuberculocarpus (1), Tuxtla (1), Verbesina (353), Vigethia (1), Viguiera (19), Wamalchitamia (7), Wedelia (137), Wollastonia (7), Wyethia (9), Xanthium (7), Zaluzania (12), Zexmenia (5), Zinnia (26), Zyzyxia (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Inuleae Tribe:

The Inuleae are primarily concentrated around the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia, with only a small number native to the Americas and a handful more introduced here. Some members are placed in the Plucheeae tribe, but here we use a narrower definition of that tribe and place most of those here instead. This tribe includes herbs and shrubs with alternate leaves, often aromatic or woolly, and having mostly discoid flower heads. The bracts are typically in overlapping series, and cypselae usually have a capillary pappus.

Adelostigma (2), Allagopappus (2), Allopterigeron (1), Antiphiona (2), Anvillea (2), Asteriscus (9), Blumea (97), Buphthalmum (3), Caesulia (1), Calostephane (6), Carpesium (22), Chiliadenus (10), Coleocoma (1), Cratystylis (4), Delamerea (1), Dittrichia (2), Duhaldea (13), Epaltes (7), Geigeria (28), Inula (79), Iphiona (13), Iphionopsis (3), Jasonia (1), Karelinia (1), Laggera (10), Lifago (1), Limbarda (1), Litogyne (1), Merrittia (1), Monarrhenus (2), Neojeffreya (1), Nicolasia (7), Ondetia (1), Pallenis (6), Pechuel-loeschea (1), Pegolettia (9), Pentanema (34), Perralderia (3), Porphyrostemma (3), Pseudoblepharispermum (3), Pseudoconyza (1), Pterocaulon (26), Pulicaria (81), Rhanteriopsis (5), Rhanterium (4), Sachsia (3), Schizogyne (2), Sphaeranthus (40), Stenachaenium (5), Streptoglossa (8), Telekia (1), Tessaria (5), Thespidium (1), Triplocephalum (1), Vieraea (1).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe:

This Asteraceae tribe is sometimes considered a subtribe of Heliantheae, but not on the Compositae website, which we defer to here. It is a highly restricted tribe, native almost entirely to western North America, especially in California, USA, and Baja California, Mexico, in drought- and fire-prone environments. The tribe is made of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, often bearing sticky glandular hairs with aromatic resins. Flowers are radiate or discoid heads, and the cypselae typically lack a pappus, like most of the Heliantheae.

Achyrachaena (1), Adenothamnus (1), Amblyopappus (1), Anisocarpus (2), Argyroxiphium (5), Arnica (31), Baeriopsis (1), Blepharipappus (1), Blepharizonia (2), Calycadenia (10), Carlquistia (1), Centromadia (4), Constancea (1), Deinandra (21), Dubautia (27), Eatonella (1), Eriophyllum (14), Harmonia (5), Hemizonella (1), Hemizonia (1), Holocarpha (4), Holozonia (1), Hulsea (7), Jensia (2), Kyhosia (1), Lagophylla (5), Lasthenia (18), Layia (15), Madia (11), Monolopia (5), Osmadenia (1), Pseudobahia (3), Raillardella (3), Syntrichopappus (2), Venegasia (1), Wilkesia (2).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe:

This is another Asteraceae tribe that is mostly endemic to the American continents. It has a center of diversity in Mexico and Central America, with one (of two) former African endemic genera now introduced to the Americas. Members are herbs, vines, or shrubs with opposite leaves and fairly small radiate or discoid flower heads. Cypselae are often laterally compressed and may have awns or scales instead of a long pappus, and several genera are specialized for animal dispersal.

Acanthospermum (6), Alepidocline (6), Alloispermum (17), Aphanactis (11), Axiniphyllum (5), Bebbia (1), Cymophora (4), Desmanthodium (8), Dyscritothamnus (2), Espeletia (141), Faxonia (1), Freya (1), Galinsoga (12), Guardiola (12), Guizotia (7), Ichthyothere (27), Jaegeria (11), Lecocarpus (4), Melampodium (42), Micractis (2), Milleria (1), Oteiza (4), Rumfordia (7), Sabazia (16), Schistocarpha (13), Selloa (3), Sigesbeckia (11), Smallanthus (22), Stachycephalum (3), Tamananthus (1), Tetragonotheca (4), Tridax (34), Trigonospermum (6), Zandera (3).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Neurolaeneae Tribe:

This small Asteraceae tribe is another one with a center of diversity in Mexico and Central America and is entirely native to the Americas, typically found in seasonally dry tropical forests. The Neurolaeneae bears similarities with the Millerieae tribe. It includes herbs and shrubs with opposite leaves and yellow radiate or discoid flower heads with flattened cypselae that may bear short awns or scales.

Calea (169), Enydra (6), Greenmaniella (1), Heptanthus (7), Neurolaena (14), Staurochlamys (1), Unxia (2).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Perityleae Tribe:

This small Asteraceae tribe is restricted to North America, with a center of diversity in the SW USA and NW Mexico. It consists mostly of annual and perennial herbs or small shrubs adapted to rocky, arid habitats; many are narrow endemics confined to cliffs or desert mountains. Flower heads are usually small and radiate, and cypselae typically have scales or short awns.

Amauria (? syn of Perityle), Eutetras (2), Galeana (1), Pericome (2), Perityle (13), Villanova (5).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Plucheeae Tribe:

Some members of the Inuleae tribe of the Asteraceae are frequently placed here. Under this narrower definition, the genus is pantropical and most diverse in the Americas (Pluchea) or endemic to Mauritius (Cylindrocline). Members are aromatic herbs, shrubs, and subshrubs with alternate, often densely pubescent leaves. Flowers are discoid heads made of tubular florets with female florets surrounding bisexual central florets. Cypselae are often ribbed and crowned with a fine pappus.

Cylindrocline (2), Pluchea (61).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Polymnieae Tribe:

This monogeneric Asteraceae tribe is restricted to eastern North America, mostly the USA, but it does extend into Canada. They are primarily found in rich woodlands, streambanks, and mesic habitats. The members are perennial herbs with often stout, hollow stems and large opposite to alternate leaves that are commonly lobed or coarsely toothed. The flower heads are radiate, with yellow ray and disc florets, and the cypselae lack a pappus or may have only a minute crown.

Polymnia (4).  

Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe:

The Senecioneae are nearly cosmopolitan, with centers of diversity in southern Africa, the Mediterranean, Mexico, and the Andes of South America, but they are well represented throughout the American continents. Members are annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, vines, succulents, and small trees. Flowers are radiate or discoid, with involucral bracts usually in a single series and often accompanied by a calculus (ring of smaller outer bracts), which often helps in identification, though it’s not universal. The cypselae mostly have conspicuous pappus for wind dispersal, but a few genera have them modified or reduced.

Abrotanella (22), Acrisione (2), Adenostyles (6), Aequatorium (12), Aetheolaena (27), Angeldiazia (1), Antillanthus (17), Arbelaezaster (1), Arnoglossum (8), Arrhenechthites (6), Austrosynotis (1), Barkleyanthus (1), Bedfordia (3), Bethencourtia (3), Blennosperma (3), Bolandia (5), Brachionostylum (1), Brachyglottis (26), Cabreriella (2), Cacaliopsis (1), Capelio (3), Caucasalia (3), Caxamarca (2), Centropappus (1), Chaetacalia (1), Charadranaetes (1), Chersodoma (11), Cineraria (48), Cissampelopsis (12), Crassocephalum (26), Cremanthodium (82), Crocidium (1), Culcitium (16), Curio (17), Dauresia (2), Delairea (2), Dendrocacalia (1), Dendrophorbium (83), Dendrosenecio (12), Dicercoclados (1 extinct), Digitacalia (6), Dolichoglottis (2), Dolichorrhiza (3), Dorobaea (4), Dresslerothamnus (5), Ekmaniopappus (1), Elekmania (9), Emilia (129), Endocellion (2), Erechtites (8), Eriothrix (2), Euryops (105), Farfugium (2), Faujasia (4), Faujasiopsis (3), Garcibarrigoa (2), Graphistylis (9), Gymnodiscus (2), Gynoxys (130), Gynura (58), Haastia (4), Haplosticha (3), Hasteola (3), Herodotia (1), Herreranthus (1), Hertia (9), Hoehnephytum (3), Homogyne (3), Hubertia (24), Humbertacalia (10), Ignurbia (1), Io (1), Iocenes (1), Iranecio (4), Ischnea (6), Jacmaia (1), Jacobaea (63), Jessea (3), Kleinia (57), Lachanodes (1 extinct), Lasiocephalus (4), Lamprocephalus (1), Leonis (1), Lepidospartum (3), Ligularia (150), Ligulariopsis (1), Lopholaena (21), Lordhowea (4), Luina (2), Lundinia (1), Mattfeldia (1), Mesogramma (1), Mikaniopsis (15), Miricacalia (1), Misbrookea (1), Mixtecalia (1), Monticalia (82), Nelsonianthus (2), Nemosenecio (6), Nesampelos (3), Odontocline (6), Oldfeltia (1), Oligothrix (1), Oresbia (1), Othonna (85), Packera (77), Papuacalia (17), Paracalia (3), Parafaujasia (2), Paragynoxys (12), Parasenecio (72), Pentacalia (154), Pericallis (16), Petasites (18), Phaneroglossa (1), Pippenalia (1), Pittocaulon (5), Pladaroxylon (1), Pojarkovia (1), Psacaliopsis (4), Psacalium (52), Psednotrichia (3), Pseudogynoxys (16), Rainiera (1), Robinsonecio (2), Robinsonia (8), Roldana (65), Rugelia (1), Scapisenecio (5), Scrobicaria (3), Senecio (1486), Shafera (1), Sinacalia (3), Sinosenecio (52), Solanecio (17), Steirodiscus (5), Stenops (2), Stilpnogyne (1), Syneilesis (7), Synotis (63), Talamancalia (2), Telanthophora (12), Tephroseris (45), Tetradymia (10), Traversia (1), Tussilago (1), Urostemon (1), Vickifunkia (10), Villasenoria (1), Werneria (47), Yermo (1), Zemisia (2).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe:

This tribe is entirely native to the Americas, with the highlands of Mexico as the primary center of diversification, with additional diversity in the southwestern United States, Central America, and the Andes. Members are perennial herbs, subshrubs, and some shrubs, which are often strongly aromatic due to abundant oil glands in the usually opposite and pinnately divided leaves. Flowers are radiate or discoid heads with yellow, orange, or white florets, and the cypselae typically have a pappus of short scales or awns.

Adenophyllum (13), Arnicastrum (2), Bajacalia (3), Boeberastrum (2), Boeberoides (1), Chrysactinia (6), Clappia (1), Comaclinium (1), Coulterella (1), Dysodiopsis (1), Dyssodia (6), Flaveria (21), Gymnolaena (3), Haploesthes (4), Harnackia (1), Hydropectis (3), Jamesianthus (1), Jaumea (2), Lescaillea (1), Leucactinia (1), Nicolletia (3), Oxypappus (1), Pectis (94), Porophyllum (34), Pseudoclappia (2), Sartwellia (4), Schizotrichia (3), Strotheria (1), Tagetes (50), Thymophylla (13), Urbinella (1), Varilla (2).

Barnadesioideae Subfamily:

The Barnadesioideae subfamily is the earliest diverging lineage of the Asteraceae and retains several ancestral characteristics. Members are shrubs, trees, or perennial herbs with alternate leaves, often with axillary or terminal flower heads. A distinctive feature is the presence of axillary spines and pollen grains with small spines, a combination that helps distinguish it from other subfamilies. All members belong to the same tribe, Barnadesieae, and it’s entirely restricted to South America, with centers of diversity in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Archidasyphyllum (2), Arnaldoa (4), Barnadesia (23), Chuquiraga (23), Dasyphyllum (36), Doniophyton (2), Duseniella (1), Fulcaldea (2), Huarpea (1), Schlechtendalia (1).

Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe:

The Cardueae are a fairly large Asteraceae tribe of annual and perennial herbs, with a few shrubs, that are characterized by spiny or prickly leaves and involucral bracts. Flower heads are uniformly discoid and composed entirely of tubular florets, often purple, pink, white, or yellow. Cypselae usually have a conspicuous pappus of plumose or scabrid bristles, and many species have robust taproots adapted to dry environments. Most species are native to the Old World, concentrated around the Mediterranean Basin, the Caucasus, and southwestern Asia, although native genera exist in the Americas and many are introduced from Eurasia.

Afrocarduus (18), Afrocirsium (3), Alfredia (6), Amberboa (13), Amphoricarpos (5), Ancathia (1), Arctium (44), Atractylis (27), Atractylodes (4), Berardia (1), Callicephalus (1), Cardopatium (2), Carduncellus (35), Carduus (81), Carlina (30), Carthamus (15), Centaurea (777), Centaurodendron (3), Centaurothamnus (1), Chardinia (1), Cheirolophus (28), Cirsium (499), Cousinia (673), Cousiniopsis (1), Crocodilium (3), Crupina (3), Cynara (10), Dipterocome (1), Dolomiaea (21), Echinops (218), Femeniasia (1), Galactites (3), Goniocaulon (1), Jurinea (250), Karvandarina (2), Klasea (55), Lamyropappus (1), Lamyropsis (5), Mantisalca (6), Myopordon (6), Notobasis (1), Nuriaea (2), Olgaea (17), Oligochaeta (3), Onopordum (60), Phalacrachena (2), Phonus (4), Picnomon (1), Plagiobasis (1), Plectocephalus (14), Polytaxis (1?), Psephellus (114), Ptilostemon (15), Rhaponticoides (35), Rhaponticum (27), Russowia (1), Saussurea (525), Schischkinia (1), Serratula (4), Shangwua (3), Siebera (2), Silybum (2), Staehelina (4), Stizolophus (4), Synurus (3), Syreitschikovia (2), Thevenotia (2), Tricholepis (20), Tugarinovia (1), Tyrimnus (1), Volutaria (16), Xanthopappus (1), Xeranthemum (4), Yunquea (1), Zoegea (3). 

Carduoideae Subfamily: Tarchonantheae Tribe:

This is another uncommon tribe among the Asteraceae, made of woody shrubs and trees, also restricted to Africa, both southern and eastern, with a few species extending into the Arabian Peninsula. Members have alternate leaves that are leathery and often densely covered with silvery or whitish hairs beneath. Flower heads are small, discoid, and frequently unisexual, with plants often being dioecious, also not common in the family. The cypselae bear a well-developed pappus of bristles, and many species are aromatic due to the presence of essential oils.

Brachylaena (12), Tarchonanthus (4).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Chondrillinae Subtribe: 

The Chondrillinae is a small Asteraceae tribe concentrated in temperate Eurasia, with only a single invasive weed, Chondrilla juncea, naturalized in the American continents. It consists of perennial herbs, often with deep taproots and basal rosettes, although leafy flowering stems, often pinnatified, are well developed in Chondrilla. The flower heads contain only yellow ligulate, bisexual florets, and the plants produce abundant milky latex. Cypselae are typically elongated with a slender beak and a persistent pappus of fine white bristles.  

Caucasoseris (1), Chondrilla (31), Phitosia (1), and Willemetia (2).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichoriinae Subtribe

The Cichoriinae are another small Asteraceae tribe but are one of the better-known ones, containing the familiar “chicory.” They are mostly annual or perennial herbs with milky latex, basal rosettes or leafy stems, and flower heads composed entirely of yellow to pale blue ligulate, bisexual florets. The cypselae are usually stout and ribbed, often with a persistent pappus of scales or bristles, although it may be reduced or absent. Leaves are generally alternate and range from deeply lobed to entire, while several genera possess coarse bristles or prickles along the stems or leaf margins. This Asteraceae subtribe is concentrated around the Mediterranean Basin, extending into Macaronesia, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, with only one genus native in the Americas (California, USA) and others introduced throughout.

Arnoseris (1), Cichorium (7), Erythroseris (2), Phalacroseris (1), Rothmaleria (1), and Tolpis (23).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Crepidinae Subtribe

The Crepidinae subtribe is morphologically variable, especially in cypselae structure, pappus form, and leaf arrangement, which have been important in recent generic revisions, so the subtribe is taxonomically active and may still change in the future. They are mostly concentrated in temperate Eurasia with additional diversity in the Mediterranean, although there are a few native genera in the American continents, especially North America. They are mostly annual and perennial herbs with milky latex and typically form basal rosettes or leafy stems. Flowers are heads composed entirely of ligulate, bisexual florets, and the cypselae are usually ribbed, angled, or compressed, often with a beak and a pappus of simple or scabrid bristles.

Acanthocephalus (2), Askellia (10), Crepidiastrum (18), Crepis (~200–250), Dubyaea (11), Faberia* (10), Garhadiolus (3), Heteracia (2), Heteroderis (1), Hololeion (2), Ixeridium (~22), Ixeris (~19), Lagoseriopsis (1), Lapsana (1), Lapsanastrum (4), Mojiangia (1), Nabalus (~17), Qineryangia (1?), Rhagadiolus (2), Sinoseris (3 new), Sonchella (2), Soroseris (8), Spiroseris (1), Syncalathium (6), Taraxacum** (~250 sexually reproducing but ~2575 inc. apomictic microspecies), and Youngia (48). 

*Based on chloroplast DNA, Faberia is placed here, but nuclear DNA suggests Lactucinae, so it may have formed as a hybridization between the two subtribes. **Also, Taraxacum is a special case with ~250–300 “macrospecies,” while thousands of apomictic microspecies have also been described. 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe

The Hieraciinae have a center of diversity in Europe, especially in the mountains, extending to Asia. While there is much less diversity, several native and introduced species occur throughout the Americas. The subtribe consists of perennial herbs, many forming basal rosettes with leafy flowering stems and often covered in simple, glandular, or stellate hairs. Flower heads are composed entirely of yellow, orange, or occasionally pale ligulate, bisexual florets, and the plants produce abundant milky latex. Cypselae are slender and ribbed, bearing a persistent pappus of bristles for wind dispersal. Many of these Asteraceae members reproduce through apomixis, resulting in numerous locally endemic microspecies with subtle morphological differences.

Andryala* (22), Hieracium (~ 850–4617), Hispidella** (1), Pilosella** (~250–300), and Schlagintweitia (3). 

*Similar to Faberia, the subtribe Hieraciinae has a notoriously complex evolutionary history with widespread ancient intergeneric hybridization, extensive allele sharing, and incomplete lineage sorting across Andryala. **Also, species estimates for Hieracium and Pilosella vary widely because many botanists recognize thousands of apomictic microspecies, while others treat these as components of broader species complexes. 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hyoseridinae Subtribe

The Hyoseridinae are an Asteraceae subtribe concentrated around the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, Macaronesia, and western Asia, while Sonchus is nearly cosmopolitan. No genera are native to the Americas, but Sonchus is widely introduced. The subtribe consists of annual and perennial herbs with abundant milky latex and flower heads composed entirely of ligulate, bisexual florets. Plants typically form basal rosettes or erect leafy stems, although growth forms vary considerably. The cypselae are typically ribbed or angled with a persistent pappus of simple or plumose bristles for wind dispersal.

Aposeris (1), Hyoseris (3), Launaea (57), Reichardia (10), and Sonchus (98).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hypochaeridinae Subtribe

The Hypochaeridinae is another Asteraceae subtribe that has seen significant changes recently, with several genera being consolidated or transferred to Scorzonerinae based on recent molecular work. They are concentrated around the Mediterranean Basin and western Eurasia, with a major secondary center of diversification in the Andes and southern South America. Members are primarily of annual and perennial herbs with abundant milky latex and flower heads composed entirely of ligulate, bisexual florets. Most species form basal rosettes, although some develop leafy flowering stems. The cypselae are typically ribbed and crowned by a persistent pappus of plumose or scabrid bristles, while the leaves range from entire to deeply pinnatifid.

Avellara (1), Hedypnois (3), Helminthotheca (7), Hypochaeris (~120), Leontodon (40), Picris (46), Robertia (syn. Hypochaeris?), Scorzoneroides (22), and Urospermum (2).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe

The modern treatment has greatly reduced Lactucinae, resulting in discrepancies between authoritative sources. Under the new description, the center of diversity for this Asteraceae subtribe is now southwestern China and the Himalayas, with limited native species in the Americas but several introduced. The Lactucinae are primarily perennial herbs, although a few annuals occur. Members produce abundant milky latex and possess erect leafy stems with alternate leaves that range from entire to deeply divided and are especially common in montane forests, woodland edges, and alpine meadows. Flower heads are composed entirely of ligulate, bisexual florets, which are typically yellow, blue, or violet. The cypselae are usually compressed and often terminate in a slender beak supporting a persistent pappus of fine white bristles.

Astartoseris (1), Cicerbita (42), Faberia* (10), Kovalevskiella (? or syn. of Cicerbita), Lactuca (117), Lihengia (2), Melanoseris (32), Notoseris (6), Paraprenanthes (14), and Prenanthes (9).

*Based on nuclear DNA, Faberia is placed here, but chloroplast DNA suggests Crepidinae, so it may have formed as a hybridization between the two subtribes. 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe

Microseridinae is a predominantly New World subtribe of the Asteraceae centered in western North America, particularly California, the Great Basin, and the Pacific Northwest. A smaller secondary lineage occurs in Australia and New Zealand through species of Microseris, with molecular evidence supporting a common ancestry despite their present-day geographic separation. Members are primarily annual and perennial herbs with abundant milky latex and flower heads composed entirely of yellow, cream, or occasionally pink ligulate, bisexual florets. Many species form basal rosettes and produce stems that are leafless to leafy. The cypselae are usually beaked to attenuate and bear a persistent pappus of fine white bristles for wind dispersal. Members occupy a wide variety of open habitats, including prairies, deserts, sagebrush, chaparral, montane meadows, and coastal environments.

Anisocoma (1), Agoseris (~12), Atrichoseris (1), Calycoseris (2), Chaetadelpha (1), Krigia (7), Lygodesmia (5), Malacothrix (19), Marshalljohnstonia (1), Microseris (15), Munzothamnus (1), Nothocalais (4), Picrosia (2), Pinaropappus (10), Pleiacanthus (1), Prenanthella (1), Pyrrhopappus (4), Rafinesquia (2), Shinnersoseris (1), Stebbinsoseris (2), Stephanomeria (18), and Uropappus (1).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scolyminae Subtribe

The Scolyminae are an Asteraceae subtribe from the Mediterranean Basin and surrounding area and were only introduced in the USA and the American continents. It consists of robust annual or perennial herbs with spiny-winged stems, leathery and prickly leaves, and abundant milky latex. The flower heads are composed entirely of yellow ligulate, bisexual florets and are typically clustered in the upper leaf axils or at the ends of stems. Cypselae are stout and ribbed, usually bearing a persistent pappus of rough scales or short bristles. Members are well adapted to dry, open habitats and possess numerous structural defenses against herbivory.

Scolymus (3).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scorzonerinae Subtribe

The Scorzonerinae subtribe of the Asteraceae have undergone some of the most extensive reorganizations, with genera split, merged, or transferred based on molecular phylogenetic studies. The center of diversity is the Mediterranean Basin, southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and central to southwestern Asia, with only the occasional introduction into the American continents. The Scorzonerinae consists primarily of annual and perennial herbs with abundant milky latex, typically forming basal rosettes or erect leafy stems with narrow, entire to pinnatifid leaves. Flower heads are composed entirely of ligulate, bisexual florets, and cypselae are usually elongated and ribbed, often terminating in a conspicuous beak and crowned by a persistent pappus of plumose or scabrid bristles. Members are adapted to open grasslands, steppes, semi-deserts, and rocky slopes.

Epilasia (3), Gelasia (45), Geropogon (1), Koelpinia (4), Lipschitzia (1), Pseudopodospermum (44), Pterachaenia (2), Ramaliella (9), Scorzonera (85), Takhtajaniantha (14), Tourneuxia (1), Tragopogon (~130). 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Warioniinae Subtribe

The Warioniinae is the smallest and most isolated subtribe of the Cichorieae in the Asteraceae family, consisting of a single, highly distinctive species found in northwestern Africa. Molecular studies have confirmed that it represents an early-diverging lineage within Cichorieae rather than belonging to a separate tribe. It consists of a single aromatic woody shrub (unusual in this tribe) with deeply lobed gray-green leaves, abundant milky latex, and flower heads made of yellow ligulate, bisexual florets and cypselae with a persistent pappus of fine white bristles.

Warionia (1).

Corymbioideae Subfamily:

This early-diverging monogeneric Asteraceae subfamily is a new recognition after modern molecular phylogenetic studies showed it to be one of the earliest branches, warranting their recognition as a distinct subfamily. They are all endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa and are comprised of small perennial herbs with grass-like leaves and highly condensed flower heads in dense corymbose inflorescence. They are distinguished by their capitulum, which is reduced to a single floret enclosed by several overlapping bracts, making it a derived rather than primitive feature and very unique in the family.

Corymbium (7-9).

Dicomoideae Subfamily: Dicomeae Tribe:

This is another newly recognized Asteraceae subfamily that was formerly a tribe of the Carduoideae. The Dicomeae tribe is restricted to Africa and Madagascar, with no native representatives in the American continents. Members are perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees with alternate and often densely hairy or leathery leaves adapted to dry habitats and are mostly armed with spines or thorn-like branches. Flower heads are discoid, and the involucral bracts are often rigid or spiny. Cypselae generally have a pappus of rough or feathery bristles for wind dispersal.

Cloiselia (4), Dicoma (35), Dicomopsis (1), Erythrocephalum (15), Gladiopappus (1), Macledium (19), Pasaccardoa (4), Pleiotaxis (34).

Dicomoideae Subfamily: Oldenburgieae Tribe:

This monogeneric Asteraceae tribe is endemic to southern Africa and is made of woody shrubs and small trees, fairly unusual in the family, with leathery leaves and relatively large, discoid flower heads. The involucral bracts are in numerous overlapping series, and the cypselae bear a well-developed pappus of bristles. Members are adapted to nutrient-poor, rocky habitats and exhibit several woody characteristics unusual within the family. Recent molecular phylogenetic evidence transferred it from the Carduoideae to this new family (Mandel et al. 2019).

Oldenburgia (4).

Famatinanthoideae Subfamily:

This is another one of the more recently recognized subfamilies in Asteraceae, having been established after research showed that Famatinanthus was an isolated early-diverging lineage distinct from other subfamilies. Like the earliest diverging lineage, the Barnadesioideae subfamily, this new group is also endemic to South America. However, it is a highly restricted subfamily that consists of a single species endemic to the Sierra de Famatina in the northwestern Andes of Argentina between 1,800 and 2,700 m elevation. Famatinanthus decussatus is a woody shrub with evergreen opposite leaves, solitary radiate flower heads, and cream-colored florets with unusual styles unlike any other in the Asteraceae family.

Famatinanthus (1).

Gochnatioideae Subfamily:

Gochnatioideae is a small, early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily restricted to the Americas, with a center of diversity in South America and significant additional diversity in the Caribbean, with some also found in Mexico and extending north into the southern United States. It consists of shrubs, small trees, and some perennial herbs. Members are characterized by alternate leaves, usually solitary or few-headed capitula, and short, rounded style branches that are glabrous on the back, a distinctive feature separating them from several related subfamilies. Flower heads are usually discoid, but some possess peripheral female florets that may give them a radiate appearance.

Anastraphia (33), Cnicothamnus (2), Cyclolepis (1), Gochnatia (17), Moquiniastrum (22), Nahuatlea (6), Pentaphorus (? or syn Gochnatia), Richterago (17), Tehuasca (1), and Vickia (1).

Gymnarrhenoideae Subfamily:

Gymnarrhenoideae is a small, early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily with a highly disjunct geographical and ecological distribution from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East to the alpine habitats of the Himalayas. It consists of one annual and one perennial herb, which both share distinctive characteristics, including dimorphic capitula, functionally unisexual florets, basal leaf rosettes, and the absence of latex and spines.

Cavea (1), Gymnarrhena (1).

Hecastocleidoideae Subfamily:

Hecastocleidoideae is a small, early-diverging Asteraceae subfamily consisting of a single species of spiny, drought-adapted shrub. It has rigid, spine-tipped leaves, unusual clusters of single-flowered capitula (exceptionally rare and basal in the Asteraceae lineage), and deeply lobed, bisexual florets. The cypselae bear a reduced pappus of unequal scales rather than the bristles. The subfamily is endemic to the arid mountains of the southwestern United States, growing on dry rocky slopes, desert scrub, and open pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Hecastocleis (1).

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Mutisieae Tribe:

The Mutisieae tribe of the Asteraceae are almost predominantly in the Americas, with a center of diversity in the tropical and subtropical Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina, but some do extend into North America and elsewhere. Members are primarily perennial herbs, although shrubs, vines, and small trees also occur. They usually have alternate leaves and small to often large, showy capitula with strongly bilabiate or deeply lobed corollas and flower heads that are often solitary or loosely arranged. Many species possess brightly colored ray florets for pollination by hummingbirds or large insects, while the disc florets are typically bisexual and tubular. The cypselae typically have a pappus of plumose or scabrid bristles for wind dispersal.

Adenocaulon (5), Amblysperma (1), Brachyclados (3), Chaetanthera (30), Chaptalia (69), Eriachaenium (1), Gerbera (24), Leibnitzia (6), Lulia (1), Mutisia (65), Oreoseris (12), Pachylaena (2), Perdicium (2), Trichocline (23).

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Nassauvieae Tribe:

Nassauvieae is an Asteraceae tribe that is almost entirely restricted to South America, where it is one of the dominant tribes of alpine, subalpine, and arid temperate habitats, but does extend north to the southern USA. It consists of perennial herbs, subshrubs, shrubs, and cushion-forming plants, often highly compact and adapted to dry, windy environments. Members have alternate leaves, often densely clustered, leathery, or spiny, and flower heads that are usually discoid with tubular, bisexual florets and ailed anthers. The corollas are typically bilabiate, and the cypselae bear a persistent pappus (plumose or scabrid) for wind dispersal.

Acourtia (81), Ameghinoa (1), Berylsimpsonia (2), Burkartia (1), Calopappus (? syn. Nassauvia), Cephalopappus (1), Criscia (1), Dolichlasium (1), Holocheilus (7), Jungia (30), Leucheria (36), Leunisia (1), Lophopappus (4), Macrachaenium (1), Marticorenia (1), Moscharia (2), Nassauvia (44), Oxyphyllum (1), Pamphalea (10), Perezia (33), Pleocarphus (1), Polyachyrus (??), Proustia (4), Triptilion (3), Trixis (45).

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Onoserideae Tribe:

The Onoserideae is another Asteraceae tribe restricted to the Americas, primarily South America along the Andes and in nearby dry lowland habitats, but a few species extend into Central America as far north as southern Mexico. Unlike other Mutisioideae, these are primarily annual and perennial herbs, with a few small trees, with alternate leaves that are often from basal rosettes or erect leafy stems and frequently have milky latex. Flower heads are made of tubular to bilabiate bisexual florets with long-tailed anthers and exserted styles. The cypselae are typically ribbed with a persistent pappus of plumose or scabrid bristles for wind dispersal.

Aphyllocladus (4), Chucoa (1), Gypothamnium (1), Lycoseris (11), Onoseris (31), Paquirea (1), Plazia (4), Urmenetea (1).

Pertyoideae Subfamily:

The Pertyoideae is a small Asteraceae subfamily restricted to Asia, with a center of diversity in eastern Asia extending from the Himalayas and Afghanistan east to Korea and Japan. Members are perennial herbs, subshrubs, and shrubs with alternate or basal leaves, solitary or few-headed capitula, and florets with deeply divided but weakly bilabiate corollas. Members possess short, often hairy or papillose style branches, and cypselae have a persistent pappus of bristles or scales.

Ainsliaea (60), Catamixis (1), Myripnois (1), Pertya (29).

Stifftioideae Subfamily:

The Stifftioideae is a small Asteraceae subfamily restricted to South America with a center of diversity in the Guiana Highlands and the mountains of southeastern Brazil. They are mostly shrubs and small trees with a few perennial herbs adapted to montane environments with alternate leaves. Flowers are large, discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets and long, deeply divided corollas that are often brightly colored for pollination by birds or large insects. The 10-ribbed cypselae typically have a persistent plumose pappus for wind dispersal.

Achnopogon (2), Duidaea (4), Eurydochus (1), Glossarion (2), Gongylolepis (14), Hyaloseris (7), Neblinaea (1), Quelchia (4), Salcedoa (1), Stifftia (6).

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Arctotideae Tribe:

The Arctotideae is an Asteraceae tribe with its center of diversity in southern Africa and Namibia, where most genera are native, except for Cymbonotus, which is native to Australia, and there are members found, mostly introduced, on the American continents. The Arctotideae are mostly annual and perennial herbs, subshrubs, and shrubs, frequently featuring adaptations to seasonally dry environments with deep roots and wooly leaves. They have alternate or basal leaves that are often densely hairy or silvery and radiate flower heads with conspicuous yellow, orange, white, or purple ray florets surrounding tubular disc florets. The involucres typically have spiny or scarious bracts, and the cypselae are frequently winged, flattened, or otherwise modified for seed dispersal.

Arctotheca (6), Arctotis (67), Berkheya (79), Berkheyopsis (1), Cullumia (16), Cuspidia (1), Cymbonotus (3), Didelta (2), Dymondia (1), Gazania (19), Gorteria (12), Haplocarpha (9), Heterolepis (4), Heterorhachis (2), Hirpicium (? syn Gorteria).

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Eremothamneae Tribe:

The Eremothamneae is an Asteraceae tribe that is entirely restricted to southern Africa, with both genera endemic to the Namib Desert region. They are evergreen, drought-adapted shrubs with rigid, often dense and spiny branches, small alternate leaves, and other xerophytic adaptations to survive in arid environments. They have discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets and involucres made of numerous overlapping bracts, while the cypselae have a persistent bristly pappus for wind dispersal.

Eremothamnus (1), Hoplophyllum (2).

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Liabeae Tribe:

The Liabeae are another Asteraceae tribe that is restricted to the Americas, with a center of diversity in the moist montane forests of the tropical Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, although they extend into Mexico. They are perennial herbs, shrubs, small trees, or climbing plants with opposite leaves (uncommon in the Asteraceae), with many species containing white latex. They usually have radiate or sometimes discoid capitula made of yellow or orange ray florets surrounding tubular bisexual disc florets. Cypselae have a pappus of capillary or scabrid bristles for wind dispersal.

Austroliabum (3), Bishopanthus (2), Cacosmia (3), Chionopappus (1), Chrysactinium (7), Dillandia (3), Erato (5),

Ferreyranthus (8), Liabellum (? or Sinclairia), Liabum (37), Microliabum (3), Munnozia (44), Oligactis (6), Paranephelius (3), Philoglossa (5), Pseudonoseris (4), Sampera (8), Sinclairia (29).

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Moquinieae Tribe:

The Moquinieae is yet another small Asteraceae tribe entirely restricted to South America, in eastern Brazil in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest regions. They are shrubs and small trees with alternate, leathery leaves adapted to seasonally dry habitats. They have discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets and style branches with sweeping hairs common in the subfamily. The cypselae have numerous capillary bristles for wind dispersal.

Moquinia (1-2) and Pseudostifftia (1).

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Platycarpheae Tribe:

The Platycarpheae are a geographically restricted Asteraceae tribe found only in southern Africa. Members are perennial herbs with basal rosettes of broad, often spiny-margined leaves and solitary discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets and involucres made of numerous overlapping bracts. Cypselae have a persistent pappus of bristles.

Platycarpha (1), Platycarphella (2).

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe:

The Vernonieae is the largest tribe in this Asteraceae subfamily. It has a major center of diversity in tropical Africa, with additional major centers in South America (especially Brazil), Madagascar, and tropical Asia. It can be found throughout the Americas, though diversity declines at higher latitudes. The tribe is composed mainly of perennial herbs, shrubs, and trees with the occasional vine, all with alternate leaves. They have discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets, usually in purple, pink, lavender, or white, and they have style branches with sweeping hairs to aid in pollen presentation. The cypselae are typically crowned with a capillary or scabrid pappus for wind dispersal.
NOTE: Vernonieae has undergone one of the most extensive generic revisions in the Asteraceae. Historically, a large proportion of its species were placed in the broadly defined genus Vernonia. Modern morphological and molecular studies have demonstrated that the genus was polyphyletic in the Asteraceae, and new genera were split out among numerous Asteraceae subtribes, but here we leave it at the tribal level.

Acanthodesmos (2), Acilepidopsis (1), Acilepis (37), Adenoon (1), Aedesia (3), Ageratinastrum (4), Albertinia (1), Allocephalus (1), Ambassa (1), Ananthura (1), Anteremanthus (2), Baccharoides (26), Bechium (3), Blanchetia (2), Bolanosa (1), Bothriocline (62), Brachythrix (6), Brenandendron (3), Caatinganthus (2), Cabobanthus (2), Camchaya (11), Centauropsis (8), Centratherum (3), Chresta (18), Chronopappus (2), Chrysolaena (19), Cololobus (2-5), Critoniopsis (87), Cyanthillium (12), Cyrtocymura (6), Dasyandantha (1), Dasyanthina (2), Decaneuropsis (15), Decastylocarpus (1), Dewildemania (7), Diaphractanthus (1), Dipterocypsela (1), Distephanus (44), Echinocoryne (6), Eirmocephala (3), Ekmania (1), Elephantopus (21), Eremanthus (25), Erlangea (12), Ethulia (15), Gorceixia (1), Gutenbergia (25), Gymnanthemum (35), Harleya (1), Herderia (1), Hesperomannia (4), Heterocoma (6), Heterocypsela (2), Hilliardiella (10), Hoffmannanthus (1), Hololepis (2), Huberopappus (1), Hystrichophora (1), Jeffreycia (5), Khasianthus (1), Kinghamia (5), Koyamasia (2), Kurziella (1), Lachnorhiza (3), Lampropappus (3), Lepidaploa (156), Lepidonia (9), Lessingianthus (145), Linzia (9), Lychnophora (33), Lychnophorella (11), Manyonia (1), Maschalostachys (2), Mattfeldanthus (2), Mesanthophora (2), Minasia (7), Monosis (8), Msuata (1), Muschleria (1), Myanmaria (1), Neurolakis (1), Nothovernonia (2), Okia (2), Oliganthes (10), Omphalopappus (1), Oocephala (4), Orbivestus (13), Orthopappus (1), Pacourina (1), Paralychnophora (6), Parapolydora (2), Paurolepis (1), Phyllocephalum (6), Piptocarpha (53), Piptocoma (18), Piptolepis (21), Pleurocarpaea (2), Prestelia (3), Proteopsis (2), Pseudelephantopus (2), Pseudopiptocarpha (4), Pulicarioidea (1), Quechualia (4), Rastrophyllum (2), Rolandra (1), Roquea (1), Soaresia (1), Spiracantha (1), Stenocephalum (8), Stilpnopappus (21), Stokesia (1), Stramentopappus (2), Strobocalyx (10), Struchium (1), Tarlmounia (1), Telmatophila (1), Trepadonia (2), Trichospira (1), Vernonanthura (72), Vernonella (11), Vernonia (325), Vernoniastrum (13), Vickianthus (10), Vinicia (1), Xiphochaeta (1).

Wunderlichioideae Subfamily:

The Wunderlichioideae is one of the earliest diverging Asteraceae subfamilies, containing the Hyalideae and the Wunderlichieae tribes, but they are morphologically similar enough to treat at the subfamily level. The Wunderlichioideae has an interesting disjunct distribution from the Guiana Highlands and eastern Brazil to eastern Asia. It is a small subfamily of mostly shrubs and small trees with alternate leaves, with a few perennial herbs adapted to seasonally dry or montane environments. Members have discoid capitula made of tubular bisexual florets, glabrous style branches, and cypselae with a pappus of numerous bristles.

Chimantaea (9), Hyalis (2), Ianthopappus (1), Leucomeris (3), Nouelia (? or syn. Leucomeris), Stenopadus (15), Stomatochaeta (6), Wunderlichia (7).

Key Differences From Similar Families

Fortunately, the Asteraceae are generally pretty easy to recognize at the family level because of their unique composite flower heads that come in radiate, discoid, or ligulate forms. This, combined with cypselae, is typically more than enough to identify a member of the Asteraceae. However, some other families have certain genera or species that do resemble the Asteraceae.

  • Apiaceae / carrot family is sometimes confused with Asteraceae because both can have many small flowers in a flat-topped or rounded cluster. Apiaceae flowers are arranged in umbels, while Asteraceae flowers are packed into capitula/head-like flower clusters.
  • Dipsacaceae / teasel family also sometimes resemble Asteraceae because they also have dense, head-like inflorescences. However, their flowers are not arranged in true composite heads with involucral bracts and cypselae in the same way.
  • Campanulaceae / bellflower family have some genera that may superficially resemble Asteraceae, which is unsurprising since both the Campanulaceae and Asteraceae are closely related as part of the Asterales order. However, Campanulaceae flowers are usually more clearly individual, often bell-shaped or tubular, and not arranged into true capitula.
  • Goodeniaceae is a small family that can resemble Asteraceae because some species have daisy-like heads or irregular petal arrangements. However, Goodeniaceae often have fan-shaped corollas and a distinctive pollen-presenting style cup called an indusium.
  • Calyceraceae is probably the closest lookalike family to the Asteraceae since it also has dense heads and an involucre, but it is a smaller South American family and lacks the classic combination of Asteraceae characters.
  • Caprifoliaceae also has some members, especially those formerly placed in Dipsacaceae, that may produce flowers that resemble Asteraceae heads. They differ in floral structure, fruit type, and the lack of true composite capitula.
  • Amaranthaceae is sometimes confused, especially with Ambrosia and other hay fever-type plants, but they can quickly be differentiated by their free stamens and fruits that lack a pappus.

Distribution of the Asteraceae

The Asteraceae are the most cosmopolitan plant family in the entire world. Asteraceae are common features in landscapes ranging from from sub-polar and high alpine regions to arid deserts and the tropics. 

In the Americas, the Asteraceae can be found from Arctic Canada and Greenland south through to the southernmost point of South America, with several major subfamily and tribe centers of diversity in North, South, and Central America. 

Distribution of the Asteraceae Family in the Americas

Canadian Asteraceae Genera Include:

Canadian Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily Genera:

Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe in Canada: Achillea 7 spp. native throughout all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland); Anthemis 2 spp. intro to BC, AB, YT, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, and NL (exc. Labrador); Arctanthemum 1 N temperate sp. native to BC, MB, ON, QC, YT, NT, and NU; Artemisia 28 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland), but intro in PE; Chrysanthemum 1 sp. intro and ephemeral ON; Cladanthus 1 sp. intro to BC?; Cota 1 sp. intro BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL (exc. Labrador); Cotula 2 spp. intro to BC, QC, NB, NS, PE; Glebionis 2 spp. intro to ON, QC, NB, NS, PE?, ephemeral NL Is; Hulteniella 1 sp. native BC, YT, NT, NU, QC; Leucanthemella 1 sp. intro ON, QC; Leucanthemum 2 spp. intro all of Canada inc. Arctic; Matricaria 2 spp. native to BC and introduced to the rest of Canada, including. Arctic (and Greenland); Soliva 1 sp. introduced to BC; Tanacetum 4 spp. native to all of Canada, inc. Arctic, but introduced to Labrador, NS, PE; Tripleurospermum 2 spp. native to YT, NT, NU (& GL), MB, ON, QC, NL Island and introduced to Labrador, NB, NS, PE, BC, AB, SK.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe in Canada: Almutaster monospecific NAM endemic sp. native to AB, SK, MB, NT; Aster 1 N temperate sp. native to BC, AB, YT, NT, ON, QC?; Baccharis 1 sp. native to NS; Bellis 1 sp. intro to BC, NT, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL (exc. Labrador); Boltonia 1 sp. native to SK, MB; Canadanthus monospecific N NAM endemic sp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, YT, NT; Chrysothamnus 1 sp. of a mostly W NAM endemic genus native to BC; Dieteria 1 sp. W NAM endemic genus native to BC, AB, SK; Doellingeria 3 spp. former N NAM endemic genus native to all of S provinces exc. Labrador, 1 sp now intro Great Britain; Ericameria 2 spp. W+C NAM endemic genus native to BC, AB, SK; Erigeron 47 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to all of Canada inc. the Arctic (& Greenland); Eucephalus 1? sp. NW NAM endemic genus native to BC, AB (Canadensys considers it syn. of Doellingeria); Eurybia 9 spp. N temperate genus native to all of Canada, inc. the Arctic; Euthamia 3-4 spp. former NAM endemic genus native to all of S Canada exc. Labrador and inc. NT, 1 sp now introduced to Europe; Grindelia 4 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, NT, intro ON, QC?; Gutierrezia 1 sp. native to AB, SK, MB, NT?; Heterotheca 1 sp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, ON; Ionactis 2 spp. NAM endemic genus native BC, QC, NB, NL Island?; Machaeranthera 1 sp. native to AB; Nestotus 1 sp. NAM endemic genus, endemic to YT; Oclemena 3 spp. native to ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL; Pityopsis 1 sp. intro to ON; Pyrrocoma 3 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, NT; Sericocarpus 1 sp. native to BC; Solidago 59 spp. native to all of Canada, inc. Arctic; Stenotus 1 sp. native to SK; Symphyotrichum 53 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic: Tonestus 1 sp. NW NAM endemic genus native BC, AB; Townsendia 4 spp. native BC, AB, SK, MB, YT; Xanthisma 3 spp. native AB, SK, MB, ON?.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe in Canada: Hymenopappus 1 sp. NAM endemic genus native to AB, SK; Picradeniopsis 1 sp. intro. to AB and SK.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Calenduleae Tribe in Canada: Calendula 2 spp. intro & ephemeral ON, QC, BC? MB?, NS?, NB?, NL Island?; Dimorphotheca 1 sp. intro/ephemeral NL Island.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Chaenactideae Tribe in Canada: Chaenactis 1 sp. W NAM endemic genus native to BC, AB, SK?.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe in Canada: Bidens 16 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to most of Canada, including the Arctic, but exc. Labrador; Coreopsis 6 spp. former Americas endemic genus native BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB?, intro QC; Cosmos 1 sp. former Americas endemic genus intro ON, QC; Thelesperma 1 sp. native AB, SK?. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Doroniceae Tribe in Canada: Doronicum 2 spp. intro BC, NL Island?.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe in Canada: Ageratina 1 sp. native to ON, QC, NB, NS, SK?, NT?; Brickellia 2 spp. native to BC, AB; Conoclinium 1 sp. ephemeral native to ON; Eupatorium 4 spp. subcosmopolitan genus native MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, intro to BC; Eutrochium 4 spp. NAM genus native to all S provinces, exc. Labrador; Liatris 9 spp. former NAM endemic genus native AB, SK, MB, ON, and intro to QC, NS?; Mikania 1 sp. ephemeral ON.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe in Canada: Anaphalis 1 sp. native to most of Canada, incl. Arctic, exc. NU;  Antennaria 25 spp. mostly N temperate genus native to all of Canada, inc. the Arctic (& Greenland); Filago 2 spp. intro to BC and SK; Gamochaeta 2 spp. native to BC, extirpated ON; Gnaphalium 2 spp. cosmopolitan genus native BC, AB, SK, intro YT, NT, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL (exc. Labrador); Logfia 2 spp. intro BC, SK, ON; Omalotheca 3 spp. intro BC, native ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL (& GL); Pseudognaphalium 4 spp. native BC, AB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, SK?, MB?; Psilocarphus 3 spp. native BC, AB, SK.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe in Canada: Gaillardia 2 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, intro YT, NT, ON, QC, and subcosmopolitan; Helenium 2 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT, and intro to NS; Hymenoxys 1 sp. native AB, SK; Tetraneuris 2 spp. native to AB, SK, ON.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe in Canada: Ambrosia 6 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC and intro to NT, NB, NS, PE, NL, and ~cosmopolitan; Balsamorhiza 4 spp. NW NAM endemic genus native to BC, AB; Echinacea 3 spp. native to SK, MB, intro ON; Eclipta 1 sp. native to ON and intro cosmopolitan; Euphrosyne 1 sp. native to the southern provinces exc. All Atlantic provinces exc. NS (POWO, not in Canadensys); Helianthella 1 sp. native to BC; Helianthus 15 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, intro. to YT, NT?, PE, ephemeral NL Island; Heliopsis 1 sp. native to SK, MB, ON, QC, intro BC, NB, PE?, ephemeral NL Island; Iva 2 spp. native BC, AB, SK, MB, NS; Ratibida 2 spp. native BC, AB, SK, MB, ON; Rudbeckia 5 spp. native to SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, PE, and intro BC, AB, NB, NL Island; Silphium 4 spp. native ON intro QC; Verbesina 1 sp. native to ON; Wyethia 1 sp. W NAM endemic genus native to BC and AB? (POWO, Canadensys shows ephemeral BC); Xanthium 2 spp. native to all of S Canada, exc. NL, genus now intro cosmopolitan.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Inuleae Tribe in Canada: Dittrichia 1 sp. intro NB, NS; Inula 3 spp. intro. to BC, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL Island?; Pentanema 1 sp. intro QC and ON.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe in Canada: Anisocarpus 1 sp. W NAM endemic genus native to BC; Arnica 18 spp. N temperate genus native to all of Canada, inc. the Arctic (& Greenland); Blepharipappus monospecific W NAM endemic sp native BC?; Eriophyllum 1 sp. mostly W USA endemic genus native BC; Hemizonella monospecific W NAM endemic genus native BC; Lasthenia 2 spp. native BC; Layia 1 sp. native BC?; Madia 5 spp. native to BC, YT?, intro AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NL Island?.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe in Canada: Acanthospermum 1 former neoendemic sp. intro ON; Galinsoga 2 spp. intro BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, and PE, and ephemeral NL Is.; Guizotia 1 sp. intro ephemeral ON.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Plucheeae Tribe in Canada: Pluchea 1 sp. intro ON.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Polymnieae Tribe in Canada: Polymnia 1 sp. native ON.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe: Arnoglossum 1 sp. E NAM endemic genus native to ON; Cacaliopsis monospecific NW NAM endemic native to BC; Crocidium monospecific W NAM endemic native to BC; Erechtites 1 sp. native to ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, SK?, and NL Is.?; Jacobaea 1 sp. intro. BC, SK?, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL Island; Luina 1 sp. W NAM endemic genus native BC; Packera 21 spp. N temperate genus native to all of Canada, inc. the Arctic; Petasites 3 spp. N temperate genus native to all of Canada including the Arctic; Senecio 16 spp. native to all of Canada, inc. Arctic but intro PE (& Greenland); Tephroseris 5 spp. N temperate genus native to all of Canada, inc. the Arctic and Labrador but exc. other Atlantic provs; Tetradymia 1 sp. W NAM endemic genus native BC; Tussilago 1 sp. intro BC, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe: Dyssodia 1 sp. native ON & intro AB, SK, MB, QC, NB; Jaumea 1 sp. native BC, also in W USA and another species is disjunct in SE South America; Tagetes 2 spp. ephemeral intro to QC, ON?.

Canadian Carduoideae Subfamily Genera Include:

Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Amberboa 1 sp. intro BC?; Arctium 5 spp. Eurasian intro to most of Canada exc. YT, NU, and Labrador; Carduus 4 spp. intro to all of S Canada exc. PE and Labrador, and ephemeral NL Is.; Carthamus 2 spp. intro to BC, AB, SK?; Centaurea 15 spp. intro to all of S Canada exc. Labrador and inc. YT (& Greenland); Cirsium 18 spp. N hemisphere genus native to all of Canada, exc. NU where intro (& native Greenland); Echinops 2 spp. intro to BC, MB, ON, QC, and NB, and ephemeral SK; Onopordum 1 sp. intro to BC, ON, QC, NB, NS, MB?, ephemeral NL Island; Rhaponticum 1 sp. intro BC, AB, SK, MB, ON;Saussurea 4 spp. N temperate genus native BC, AB, YT, NT, NU; Silybum 1 sp. intro BC, AB, ON, QC, NB, NS, ephemeral SK.

Canadian Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily Genera:

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Chondrillinae Subtribe: Chondrilla 1 sp. intro to BC and ON.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichoriinae Subtribe: Arnoseris monospecific intro to NB, NS, PE?; Cichorium 2 spp. intro to all of S Canada.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Crepidinae Subtribe: Askellia 2 spp. N temperate genus native to BC, AB, MB, NL, YT, NT, NU, SK?, and intro ON; Crepis 12 spp. cosmopolitan genus native BC, AB, SK, MB, and intro to YT, NT, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, Labrador (& Greenland), and ephemeral intro on NL Is.; Lapsana 1 sp. intro. most of S provinces (& Greenland) exc. Labrador, ephemeral PE; Nabalus 8 spp. native to all the S provinces; Taraxacum 14 spp. native and intro to most of Canada inc. the Arctic (& Greenland), and intro in NB, NS, PE 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe: Hieracium 21 spp. native to most of Canada, inc. the Arctic (& Greenland), but exc. NU; Pilosella 7 spp. intro to all of the southern provinces.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hyoseridinae Subtribe: Sonchus 4 spp. intro to all of Canada inc. the Arctic (& Greenland), but ephemeral in Labrador.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hypochaeridinae Subtribe: Helminthotheca 1 species, is intro to BC, AB, SK, ON, NB, NS; Hypochaeris 2 spp. intro to BC, SK?, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL Island; Leontodon 2 spp. intro BC, ON; Picris 1 sp. intro BC, ON, Labrador; Scorzoneroides 1 sp. intro BC, NT, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL (& Greenland).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe: Lactuca 9 spp. native all of S provinces, intro YT, NT.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe: Agoseris 7 spp. native to most of Canada, inc. Arctic, exc. NU, NB, NS, PE, NL, and 1 sp. now intro to Sweden; Krigia 3 spp. native to MB, ON, NL Island?, and intro to BC; Lygodesmia 1 sp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB; Microseris 3 spp. native to BC, AB; Nothocalais 2 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB; Shinnersoseris monospecific C NAM endemic genus native AB, SK, MB; Stephanomeria 3 spp. native BC, AB, SK; Uropappus monospecific W NAM endemic genus native BC

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scorzonerinae Subtribe: Tragopogon 7 spp. native ON?, but intro to rest of Canada exc. NU and Labrador.

Canadian Asteraceae: Mutisioideae Subfamily Genera:

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Mutisieae Tribe: Adenocaulon 1 N NAM endemic sp. of an Americas and Asia genus native to BC, AB, ON.

Canadian Asteraceae: Vernonioideae Subfamily Genera:

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe: Vernonia 3 spp. native to MB, ON, SK?.

USA Asteraceae Genera Include:

USA Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily Genera:

Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe: Achillea 8 spp. both native and introduced found throughout all of the USA, inc. AK, and intro to HI; Anacyclus 1 sp. intro to PA; Anthemis 6 spp. intro throughout the USA, inc. AK and HI; Arctanthemum 1 N temperate sp. native to AK; Argyranthemum 2 spp. intro to CA; Artemisia 55 spp. cosmopolitan genus native and intro in all of the USA, including AK and HI; Chamaemelum 2 spp. intro to OR, CA, IA, IL, IN, OH, MI, PA, NJ, DE, NY, CT, NC, FL; Chrysanthemum 2 spp. intro CA, OH, PA, NY, MA, and native AK?; Cladanthus 1 sp. intro to OR, NY, OH, PA, NJ, NC, FL; Cota 1 sp. intro to WA, OR, CA, ID, UT, WY, ND, SD, MN, IA, MO, AR, IL, IN, MI, OH, PA, VA, WV, MD, DE, NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, ME; Cotula 3 spp. intro to WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX, FL, NC, MA, ME, and AK and HI; Delwiensia monospecific narrow C USA endemic of CO, WY, NM; Glebionis 2 spp. intro OR, CA, AZ, CO, LA, AL, FL, SC, NC, VA, MD, OH, PA, NY, CT, MA, VT, ME and AK; Glyptopleura 2 spp. W USA endemic genus of  OR, ID, CA, NV, UT, AZ; Heteranthemis 1 sp. intro CA; Hulteniella 1 sp. intro AK; Ismelia 1 sp. Intro CA; Lasiospermum 1 sp. intro CA; Leucanthemella 1 sp. intro to MN, WI, MI, NY, CT; Leucanthemum 4 spp. intro in all of USA, inc. AK and HI; Matricaria 4 spp. native and intro most of USA exc. AL, GA, FL, and intro AK; Nipponanthemum 1 sp. introduced in NY, CT, NJ; Oncosiphon 2 spp. intro OR, CA, AZ; Pentzia 1 sp. intro. in AZ, NM; Picrothamnus 1 sp. native W USA MT So to NM and all W exc. W, or may be syn. of Artemisia; Santolina 1 sp intro CA, LA, GA, SC, NC, MA; Soliva 2 spp. intro. to WA, OR, CA, AZ, TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, VA, and HI; Sphaeromeria 7 spp. native to OR, CA, NV, ID, MT, UT, WY, CO (or syn. Artemisia); Tanacetum 7 spp. native and intro most of the USA inc. AK exc. TX, FL, GA, and introduced in HI; Tripleurospermum 2 spp. are native and intro to most of the USA and AK but exc. AZ, TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, IN, VA, WV, VT.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Acamptopappus 2 spp. SW USA endemic genus of CA, NV, UT, AZ; Adeia 2 spp. W USA endemic genus of OR and CA (POWO – not in USDA); Adiaphila monospecific SW USA endemic genus of CA and NV (POWO – not in USDA); Almutaster monospecific NAM endemic sp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, CO, WY, MT, ND, SD; Ampelaster monospecific SE USA endemic of MS, FL, GA, SC, NC; Amphiachyris 2 spp. S USA endemic genus of NM, TX (1 endemic), OK, NE, KS, IA, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, SC, TN, KY, IL, IN, OH, PA, VA; Amphipappus monospecific SW USA endemic of CA, NV, UT, AZ; Aphanostephus 5 spp. S NAM endemic genus native AZ, NM, TX, OK, KS, AR, LA, FL, inc. 1 sp. endemic to OK + TX, but one species now intro Puerto Rico; Aster 2 spp., including 1 native to ID, WY, CO, and AK, and 1 intro to CO, IA, IL, MI, OH, PA, NJ, CT, RI, MA, KY, TN, WV, VA, DE, NC, SC, GA, AL; Astranthium 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to KS, OK, TX, MO, AR, KY, TN, WV, NC, MS, AL, GA, inc. 1 sp. endemic to SE USA; Baccharis 22 spp. native to S USA from CA E to NJ exc. MO, IL, KY, IN, OH, WV and inc. OR, NY, CT, RI, MA; Bellis 1 sp. intro WA, CA, OR, ID, MT, UT, ND, MN, and NE states from WI S to TN and all E of that plus AK and HI; Benitoa monospecific endemic of CA; Bigelowia 2 spp. SE USA endemic genus of TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC; Boltonia 6 spp. former NAM endemic genus native to most of E USA from ND S to TX and all E exc WV, NH, and OR and ID, includes 4 spp. endemic to the USA; Bradburia 2 spp. SE USA endemic genus of KA, OK, TX, MO, AR, LA, TN, MS; Brintonia monospecific SE USA endemic genus of LA, MS, AL, GA, FL; Callistephus 1 sp. intro WI, MI, PA, NY, CT, ME; Calotis 1 sp. intro MA; Canadanthus monospecific N NAM endemic sp. native to WA, OR, ID, MT, MN, MI, and AK; Chaetopappa 8 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, WY, CO, NM, NE, KS, OK, TX, MO, AR, LA, SC, inc. 4 spp. endemic to USA, 3 of which are narrow endemics of TX; Chloracantha monospecific S NAM + CAM endemic sp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX, OK, LA; Chrysoma monospecific SE USA endemic of MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, FL; Chrysopsis 10 spp. S+E USA endemic genus of KS, OK, TX, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, WV, TN, KY, OH, PA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, RI; Chrysothamnus 9 spp. of mostly W NAM endemic genus native to most of the W USA from ND S to TX and all W exc. ND, SD, inc. 7 spp. endemic to W USA and 1 sp. now intro to Dominican Republic; Columbiadoria monospecific, narrow NW USA endemic of WA, OR; Corethrogyne monospecific W NAM endemic sp. native OR, CA; Croptilon 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native KS, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, inc. 2 spp. endemic to S USA which inc. 1 narrow endemic of TX; Cuniculotinus monospecific narrow endemic of CA, NV; Dichaetophora monospecific S NAM endemic sp. native to TX; Dieteria 4 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to W USA from ND S to TX and all W exc. OK, inc. 2 spp. endemic to W + C USA; Doellingeria 3 spp. former N NAM endemic genus native to most of the E USA from ND S to TX and all E exc. KS, 1 species now intro to Great Britain; Eastwoodia monospecific narrow endemic of CA; Egletes 1 sp. native to TX; Ericameria 33 spp. W+C NAM endemic genus native in all of W USA from ND S to TX and all W plus WV, most of which are endemic to W USA; Erigeron 179 spp. cosmopolitan genus native and intro in all of USA, native in AK and intro to HI;  Eucephalus 10 spp. NW NAM endemic genus native to WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, MT, WY, CO; Eurybia 26 spp. N temperate genus native in most of the USA, inc. AK, but exc. ND, NE; Euthamia 13 spp. former NAM endemic genus native in all of USA, inc. 9 endemic to USA with one being a narrow endemic of OK, 1 sp. also now intro Europe; Grindelia 28 spp. native to most of the USA exc. FL, GA, SC, NC, WV; Gutierrezia 10 spp. native to W USA from MN S to LA and all W exc. IA and inc. IL, OH, SC, NY; Gymnosperma monospecific S NAM + Guatemala endemic sp. native to AZ, NM, TX; Hazardia 7 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native OR, CA, NV, inc. 4 narrow endemics of CA (3), CA + NV (1); Helodeaster 3 spp. Narrow endemic genus of HI;  Heterotheca ~40 spp. native to most of the USA except WV, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME and introduced to HI, includes several endemics, especially in CA; Ionactis 5-6 spp. NAM endemic genus native to much of the USA exc. AZ, CO, ND, SD, NE, MI, includes 4 endemics; Isocoma 10 spp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO, NM, TX, includes 3 endemics; Laennecia 6 spp. native to CA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, NM, TX; Lessingia 12 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native, including 10 endemics of CA, NV, AZ; Leucosyris 7 spp. native to CA, NV, UT, CO, AZ, NM, and TX; Lorandersonia 6 spp. S-C NAM endemic genus native to MT, WY, UT, AZ, CO, NM, KS, OK, and TX, including 4 narrow endemics; Machaeranthera 2 spp. NAM endemic genus native to most of W USA from SD S to TX and all W except for WA, OR, and ID; Medranoa 1 sp. native to TX, mostly Mexico genus; Monoptilon 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, includes 1 endemic; Nestotus 2 spp. NAM endemic genus native and endemic to WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, MT; Oclemena 3 spp. native to E USA from MI S to AL and all states E exc IN; Oonopsis 6 spp. Narrow US endemic of MT, WY, CO, SD, NE, KS; Oreochrysum monospecific S-C NAM endemic native to NV, UT, AZ, WY, CO, NM; Oreostemma 3 spp. W USA endemic genus native to WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, MT, WY; Pentachaeta 6 spp., inc. 5 endemics native to CA; Petradoria monospecific endemic genus native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, ID, WY, CO, and NM; Pityopsis 7 spp. native to OK, TX, AR, LA, AL, MS, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, DE, OH, NJ, NY, CT, RI, and MA, including several endemics; Psilactis 5 spp. native to AZ, NM, and TX, including 1 endemic; Pyrrocoma 15 spp. native to W USA from MT S to NM and all W plus ND; Rayjacksonia 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to WY, CO, NM, NE, KS, OK, TX, LA, and FL, including 2 endemics; Remya 3 spp. endemic genus of HI; Rigiopappus monospecific W USA endemic of WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, UT; Sericocarpus 5-6 spp. native WA, OR, CA, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, KY, TN, IN, OH, MI, WV, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME, including 4-5 endemics; Solidago 75 spp. native to all of USA, including AK, and intro in HI; Stenotus 3 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to W USA MT S to NM and all W plus ND, SD, NE, KS; Symphyotrichum 87 spp. native to all of the USA, inc. AK, and intro in HI; Tetramolopium 11 spp. native to HI; Thurovia monospecific narrow endemic genus of TX; Toiyabea 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of CA and NV; Tonestus 2 spp. native W USA MT S to NM and all W exc. AZ and UT; Townsendia 27 spp. native in W USA ND S to TX and all W, inc. AK; Tracyina monospecific narrow endemic of CA; Tripolium 1 sp. intro. to PA, NY; Xanthisma 1 sp. native AZ, NM, TX, OK; Xanthocephalum 1 sp. native AZ, TX; Xylorhiza 8 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, MT, WY, CO, TX, SD, mostly endemic; Xylothamia 1-2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native TX.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Athroismeae Tribe: Centipeda 1 sp. intro PA, MA.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe: Bahia 6 spp. native and intro CA, NV, UT, AZ, WY, CO, NM, TX, MD, POWO says syn. of Eriophyllum; Bartlettia monospecific S NAM endemic sp. native NM, TX;  Chamaechaenactis monospecific S-C USA endemic sp. of WY, CO, NM, UT, AZ; Florestina 1 former NAM + CAM endemic spp. native to TX, introduced to HI; Hymenopappus 10 spp. native to all W USA ND S to TX and all W plus MO, AR, LA, MS, Al, GA, SC, FL, IL, IN; Hymenothrix 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, AZ, NM, TX; Palafoxia 10 spp native CA E to MO and all states S plus WY MS, GA, FL, MA and intro HI; Peucephyllum monospecific SW NAM endemic native to CA, NV, UT, AZ; Picradeniopsis 2 spp. native to MT S to NM and ND S to TX plus AZ; Platyschkuhria monospecific endemic of MT, WY, CO, NM, UT, AZ; Psathyrotopsis 1 sp. native to NM, TX; Schkuhria  2 spp. native and intro CA, AZ, CO, NM, TX, MD, MA.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Calenduleae Tribe: Calendula 2 spp. intro WA, CA, WI, MI, OH, PA, NY, CT, MA, NH, ME; Dimorphotheca 4 spp. intro OR, CA, AZ; Osteospermum 3 spp. intro to CA, NM?, and HI;

Asteroideae Subfamily: Chaenactideae Tribe: Chaenactis 18 W NAM endemic spp. native to W USA from MT S to NM and all W plus ND, SD, NY, and MA, including 9 spp. endemic to W USA, 5 of which are narrow endemics of CA (2), WA (1), ID (1), OR (1); Dimeresia monospecific W USA endemic sp of OR, ID, CA, NV; Orochaenactis monospecific narrow endemic of CA. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe:  Bidens 48 spp. of cosmopolitan genus native and intro in all of the USA, Inc. AK and HI; Coreocarpus  1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native AZ; Coreopsis 34 spp. former Americas endemic genus native to most of the USA exc. NV and UT, and intro HI; Cosmos 4 spp. former Americas endemic genus native and intro to much of the USA exc. OR, WA, ID, NV, MT, ND, SD, NE, IA, IN, MS, VT; Dahlia 1 sp. intro to MS, NC; Dicranocarpus monospecific SE NAM endemic genus native to NM, TX; Fitchia 1 sp. S-C Pacific Is. genus now intro HI; Heterosperma 1 sp. native to AZ, NM, CO, TX, MD, MA; Thelesperma 12 spp. native to W USA MN S to LA and all W exc IA, WA, ID, and inc IL, MS, MI, IN.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Doroniceae Tribe: Doronicum 2 spp. introduced in WA, OR, and MA.  

Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe: Adenostemma 1 sp. pantropical genus native to HI; Ageratina 14 spp. former Americas endemic genus native and introduced to most of the USA, except WY, and introduced to HI; Ageratum 4 spp. former Americas endemic genus native to AZ, NM, TX, and FL, and now introduced to CA, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, MO, KY, MD, CT, MA, and HI; Asanthus 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to AZ, NM; Brickellia 34 spp. native in all of the USA exc. NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME; Brickelliastrum 1 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to AZ, NM, TX; Carminatia 1 sp. S NAM & Mesoamerica genus native to AZ, NM, TX; Carphephorus 8 spp. SE USA endemic genus of LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA; Carphochaete 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to AZ, NM, TX; Chromolaena 4 spp. Americas genus native AZ, TX, LA, MS, and FL; Condylidium 1 sp. neoendemic native FL; Conoclinium 3 spp. native S and E USA AZ E to NC and all S plus NE and KS E to NJ and NY exc IA and inc MI; Eupatorium 26 spp. subcosmopolitan genus native in E USA from ND S to TX and all E;  Eutrochium 5 spp. NAM genus native to most of USA exc OR, CA, NV; Fleischmannia 3 spp. native to S USA from AZ E to NC and all S plus MO, IL, IN, KY, OH, WV, VA; Flyriella 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native TX; Garberia monospecific narrow endemic sp. of FL; Hartwrightia monospecific narrow endemic of FL, GA; Isocarpha 1 sp. intro/native? TX; Koanophyllon 2 spp. native to AZ, NM, TX, FL; Liatris 42 spp. native to E USA from MT S to NM and all states E exc. VT where it’s intro, most are endemic to the E USA, but now intro to Europe; Malperia monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native CA; Mikania 3 spp. are native and introduced to much of E USA from MN S to LA, exc. MN, IA, WI, WV, VT and inc. OK, TX; Pleurocoronis 1 sp. SW NAM endemic genus native CA, NV, UT, AZ; Praxelis 1 sp. intro to FL; Sclerolepis monospecific E USA endemic of LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, MD, DE, NJ, RI, MA, NH; Shinnersia monospecific narrow endemic genus of TX and NE Mexico; Stevia 7 spp. native to AZ, NM, TX; Tamaulipa monospecific S NAM endemic native to TX; Trichocoronis 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, TX; Trilisa 3 spp. SE USA endemic from LA E to FL and N to NC.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe: Anaphalis 1 sp. native to most of the USA, inc. AK, but exc. ND, OK, LA, AR, MS, AL, GA, SC, FL; Ancistrocarphus 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native OR, ID, CA, NV, inc 1 endemic to CA; Antennaria 37 spp. mostly N temperate genus native in N USA from OR E to NJ and all states N plus CA, CO, TN, KY, NC, VA, WV, MD, DE (POWO SAYS ALL USA), inc multiple species endemic to USA; Diaperia 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, MT, WY, CO, NM, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, inc. 2 endemic to S USA; Euchiton 4 spp. intro to OR, CA, MA and HI;  Facelis 1 species native to TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA; Filago 2 spp. intro. to WA, OR, CA, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, KY, OH, WV, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, MA; Gamochaeta 9 spp. native and intro. to much of the USA exc. ID, NV, UT, WY, CO, ND, SD, NE, MN, VT, NH and intro HI and subcosmopolitan; Gnaphalium 3 spp. cosmopolitan genus native and intro to much of the USA exc. the SE from TX and OK E to NC and FL, also exc. IA, MO, and intro AK; Helichrysum 2 spp. intro CA and HI; Hesperevax 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of OR, CA; Logfia 2 spp. intro to WA, OR, CA, PA, and NY; Micropsis 1 sp. intro to TX; Micropus 2 spp. native to WA, OR, CA (1 narrow endemic), 3rd in genus is native to the Mediterranean; Omalotheca 2 spp. native to WI, MI, PA, NY, VT, NH, ME; Plecostachys 1 sp. intro CA; Pseudognaphalium 19 spp. native and intro in most of the USA, inc. HI but exc. ND; Psilocarphus 4 spp. native to WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, ID, MT, WY, inc. 1 W USA endemic; Rhodanthe 1 sp. intro CA; Stylocline 5-7? spp. native to OR, CA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Xerochrysum 1 sp. intro to MA, CT

Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe: Amblyolepis monospecific S NAM endemic sp. native to TX; Baileya 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Balduina 3 spp. SE USA endemic genus? of LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC; Gaillardia 12 spp. native and intro to most of the USA exc. KY, WV, MD, and intro HI and AK, inc. 3 narrow endemics of AZ + UT (1), UT + CO (1), TX (1), now intro subcosmopolitan; Helenium 19 spp. native throughout all of the USA, exc. SD; Hymenoxys 18 spp. native and intro OR, CA, NV, UT, AZ, ID, MT, WY, CO, NM, ND, KS, OK, TX, AL, ME; Marshallia 8 spp. SE USA endemic genus from KS S to TX and E to MD S to FL exc IL, IN, OH, DE and inc PA; Ovicula monospecific narrow endemic genus of TX; Plateilema monospecific S NAM endemic genus native to TX;  Psathyrotes 3 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, ID, UT, AZ, inc. 2 endemic to SW USA; Psilostrophe 5 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native ID, CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO, NM, KS, OK, TX, inc. 3 endemic to the SW USA; Tetraneuris 8 spp. NAM endemic genus native to W USA ND S to TX and all W exc WA, OR and inc AR, IL, MI, OH; Trichoptilium monospecific SW NAM endemic native to CA, NV, AZ.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe: Acmella 4 spp. mostly pantropical genus native and intro TX, OK, LA, AR, MO, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, NJ; Agnorhiza 5 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to CA, inc. 4 narrow endemics of CA, 5th is also in Baja California Norte Mexico; Aldama 1 sp. native to AZ, NM, TX; Ambrosia 24 spp. mostly native, some intro to all of the USA, native in AK and intro to HI, now intro cosmopolitan; Bahiopsis 3 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native CA, NV, AZ, inc. 1 endemic; Balsamorhiza 11 spp. NW NAM endemic genus native WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, CO, ND, SD, inc. 7 spp. endemic to W USA; Baltimora 1 sp. intro to HI; Berlandiera 9 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to AZ, NM, CO, KS, OK, TX, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, inc. 6 endemic to the USA which inc. 2 narrow endemics of FL; Borrichia 2 spp. native to TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, MD; Calyptocarpus 2 spp. inc. 1 native to TX and 1 intro to AZ, NM, TX, OK, AR, LA, IL, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, and HI; Chrysogonum 1-3 spp. mostly Madagascar genus native to LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, OH, PA, NY; Dicoria 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO, NM; Echinacea 9 spp. native to most of the USA from MT S to NM and IL E, exc. DE, RI, NH, VT, inc. 5 spp. endemic to USA inc. 1 narrow endemic of TN (1); Eclipta 1 sp. native to much of the USA exc. WA, OR, ID, NV, MT, WY, CO, ND, CT, RI, VT, NH, and ME, and intro HI and cosmopolitan; Encelia 8 spp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO, NM, and TX, and intro to HI, inc. 3 endemic to SW USA; Enceliopsis 3 spp. W USA endemic genus of ID, CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO; Engelmannia monospecific S NAM endemic of AZ, NM, TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, MO, AR; Euphrosyne 3 spp. native to CA, NV, UT, NM, AZ, CO, TX, inc. 2 endemics; Flourensia 2 spp. native to AZ, NM, TX; Geraea 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native CA, NV, UT, AZ; Hedosyne monospecific S NAM endemic genera native AZ, NM, TX; Helianthella 6 spp. E NAM endemic genus native to W USA from MT S to NM and all W plus SD, inc. 3-4 endemics; Helianthus 54 spp. native to all of the USA and introduced into AK and HI, includes numerous endemics as most of the genus is concentrated here, but now intro cosmopolitan; Heliomeris 4-5 spp. S NAM genus native to CA, NV, ID, MT, WY, CO, UT, AZ, NM, TX, NY; Heliopsis 2 spp. native to all of E USA from ND S to TX and all E plus WA, CO, AZ, NM;  Iva 10 spp. native and intro to most of the USA exc. VT, includes several endemics; Jefea 1 sp. native NM, TX; Lagascea 2 spp. native and intro AZ, FL; Lasianthaea 1 sp. native to AZ, NM; Lindheimera monospecific SC NAM endemic genus native OK, TX, AR, LA; Lipochaeta 20 spp. narrow endemic genus of HI; Melanthera 3-4? spp. native to IL, KY, TN, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, FL (1 endemic), and HI?; Montanoa 1 sp. intro to HI; Parthenice monospecific S NAM endemic native to AZ; Parthenium ~7-10 spp. Native to most of the USA exc. the Pacific states and NW quarter; Pascalia 1 sp. intro to AL, GA, FL; Phoebanthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of AL, FL; Ratibida 4 spp. native to most of the USA exc WA, OR, NV, MD, DE, RI, NH, ME; Rudbeckia 21-31 spp. native all of USA and intro AK; Sanvitalia 3 spp. native and intro CA, NV, AZ, NM, TX, IL, MD, VT; Scabrethia monospecific W USA endemic genus of WY, CO, NM, UT, AZ; Sclerocarpus 1 sp. native to TX; Sidneya 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to NM and TX; Silphium 22 spp. native, inc. 19 endemic to the E USA from MT S to NM and all E exc. MT, DE, RI, NH; Simsia 2 spp. native AZ, NM, TX, and intro? MD; Sphagneticola 1 sp. intro LA, FL, and HI; Synedrella monospecific intro. to FL, HI, and WA?; Tithonia 3 spp. native and intro in AZ (native), TX, LA, FL, and HI; Verbesina 16 spp. native to most of the USA exc. WA, OR, ID, MN, CT, VT, NH, and ME, and intro HI and subcosmopolitan; Viguiera 8 spp. native to CA, NV, AZ, NM, TX (genus has been reduced and numbers may not be correct); Wedelia 3 spp. native to TX and intro AL; Wyethia 9 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to W USA from MT S to NM and all W, plus ND and SD, most endemic to the USA (1 sp. ranges into W Canada); Xanthium 3 spp. native and intro all of USA, intro HI, and now cosmopolitan; Zaluzania 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to AZ, NM; Zinnia 7 spp. native and intro UT, AZ, CO, NM, KS, OK, TX, LA, MS, GA, FL, SC, NC, KY, OH, PA, and CT, and intro HI

Asteroideae Subfamily: Inuleae Tribe: Blumea 3 spp. intro FL and HI; Dittrichia 2 spp. intro to CA, FL, PA, NJ, CT, NY; Inula 3 spp. intro to WA, OR, CA, UT, and MN S to MO and all E of those plus TN, VA;  Pallenis 1 sp. intro to CA; Pentanema 1 sp. intro GA, MA, NY;  Pterocaulon 2 spp. native TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, inc. 1 SE USA endemic; Pulicaria 3 spp. introduced to CA, AZ, FL, MD; Sachsia 1 sp. Caribbean endemic genus native FL.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe: Achyrachaena monospecific SW NAM endemic native OR, CA; Amblyopappus monospecific W. American endemic sp. native to CA, also in Baja CA Mexico and disjunct in Chile; Anisocarpus 2 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to WA, OR, and CA (1 narrow endemic); Argyroxiphium 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of HI; Arnica 27 spp. N temperate genus native to much of USA inc. AK but exc NE, KS, TX, IA S to LA, WI S to LA, IN, OH, KY, TN, WV, CT, RI, MA, includes many endemics as the center of diversity for the genus; Blepharipappus monospecific W NAM endemic sp. native to WA, OR, ID, NV, CA, may be W USA endemic as Canadensys lists it as ephemeral in British Columbia; Blepharizonia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of CA; Calycadenia 10 spp. W USA endemic genus of OR, CA, NV; Carlquistia monospecific narrow endemic of CA; Centromadia 3 spp. former W NAM endemic genus native to WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, and AZ, inc. 2 endemic to W USA and 1 sp. now intro to NY and Europe; Constancea monospecific narrow endemic of CA; Deinandra 16 spp. former SW NAM endemic genus native to CA, AZ, inc. 11 narrow endemics of CA and 1 sp. now intro MA and W Europe; Dubautia 27 spp. narrow endemic genus of HI; Eatonella monospecific W USA endemic of WA, OR, ID, CA, NV; Eriophyllum 13 spp. mostly W USA endemic genus native to WA, OR, CA (7 endemics), NV, AZ, UT, ID, MT, and WY, inc. 9 spp. endemic to W USA; Harmonia 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of CA; Hemizonella monospecific W NAM endemic genus of WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, MT; Hemizonia monospecific endemic genus of OR, CA; Holocarpha 4 spp. native to CA (3 endemics); Holozonia monospecific narrow endemic of CA; Hulsea 7 spp. native to WA, OR, CA (1 narrow endemic), NV, UT, AZ, ID, MT, WY, 4 of which are endemic to the USA; Jensia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of CA; Kyhosia monospecific endemic of OR, CA, and NV; Lagophylla 5 spp. W USA endemic genus to WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, NV, UT; Lasthenia 17 spp. mostly W USA endemic native to WA, OR, CA, AZ, NM, MA; Layia 14 spp. native, inc. 12 endemics of WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, NM, MA; Madia 11 spp. native to W USA from ND S to TX and all W exc. NE, KS, OK, and inc. MN, IA, WI, MI, IN, PA, MD, DE, NY, CT, MA, VT, ME, NC, AL, GA, FL and native and intro AK and intro HI; Monolopia 5 spp. narrow endemic genus CA; Osmadenia monospecific SW NAM endemic genus of CA and NW Mexico; Pseudobahia 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of CA; Raillardella 3 spp. W USA endemic of OR, CA, NV; Syntrichopappus 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus of CA (1 endemic), NV, UT, AZ, and NW Mexico; Venegasia monospecific SW NAM endemic of CA and NW Mexico; Wilkesia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of HI.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe: Acanthospermum 3 spp. former neoendemics intro to OR, TX, LA, AR, MS, AL, GA, FL, TN, SC, NC, VA, PA, NJ, NY, MA, and HI; Bebbia monospecific S NAM endemic native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Cymophora 1 sp. intro MD; Galinsoga 3 spp. inc. 2 native to TX and 1 sp. intro to most of USA inc. HI but exc. ID, NV, UT, MS; Guardiola 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to AZ; Guizotia 1 sp. intro to CA, KS, WI, IL, MI, OH, TN, VA, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA; Jaegeria 1 sp. intro. AZ; Melampodium 6 spp. native and intro CA, AZ, CO, NM, KS, OK, TX, FL, MD; Sigesbeckia 1 sp. intro IL, MA, and HI; Smallanthus 1 sp. native SE USA from KS S to TX and E to NJ S to Fl plus MI, NY; Tetragonotheca 4 spp. native, inc 3 SE USA endemics of TX (1 endemic), LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, and VA; Tridax 1 sp. intro FL and HI.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Neurolaeneae Tribe: Enydra 1 pantropical sp. intro FL; Neurolaena 1 sp. intro HI.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Perityleae Tribe: Pericome 1 sp. native to CA, NV, AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX; Perityle 2-35 spp. (depending on the definition of genus) native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX

Asteroideae Subfamily: Plucheeae Tribe: Pluchea 10 spp. native to S USA from CA E to NJ and all S exc. CO and inc. WI, MI, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, ME, and intro HI.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Polymnieae Tribe: Polymnia 4 spp. E NAM endemic genus native to most of the E USA from MN S to LA, exc. LA, MS, SC, DE, NJ, RI, MA, NH, and ME, and inc. KS and OK.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe: Arnoglossum 8 spp. E NAM endemic genus native, inc. 7 endemics, to most of E USA from ND S to TX and all E exc. ND, CT, RI, VT, NH, ME; Barkleyanthus monospecific genus native in AZ, NM, TX; Blennosperma 2 spp. narrow endemic to CA, 3rd spp. endemic to C Chile; Cacaliopsis monospecific NW NAM endemic native to WA, OR, CA; Crassocephalum 1 sp. intro to FL and HI; Crocidium monospecific W NAM endemic native to WA, OR, CA; Delairea 1 sp. intro OR, MT, CA, and HI; Emilia 3 spp. pantropical genus native to TX, LA, FL and intro to CA, GA, SC, OH, and HI; Erechtites 4 spp. native to E USA from SD S to TX and all E, plus intro WA and HI;  Euryops 2 spp. intro AZ and FL; Gynura 1 sp. intro FL; Hasteola 2 spp. endemic to the E USA in MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, IN, OH, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, ME, KY, TN, WV, VA, MD, NC, GA, FL (1 narrow endemic), other species in genus is endemic to Japan and Kuril Is.; Jacobaea 1 sp. intro. WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, CA, MI, IL, PA, NY, MA; Lepidospartum 3 spp. native, inc. 2 endemics, of CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Ligularia 1 sp. intro MD;  Luina 2 spp. W NAM endemic genus native WA, OR, CA, inc. 1 narrow endemic restricted to serpentine soils in OR; Packera 57 spp. native in all of the USA, inc. AK, inc. many endemics; Parasenecio 1 sp. native AK; AK; Pericallis 1 sp. intro CA; Petasites 3 spp. N temperate genus native and intro WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, CO, ND, SD, MN, WI, IL, MI, OH, WV, PA, DE, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME, and native AK, and intro HI; Psacalium 1 sp. mostly Mexican genus native to AZ, NM; Pseudogynoxys 1 sp. intro TX, FL, and HI; Rainiera monospecific endemic of WA and OR; Roldana 1 sp. mostly Mexican genus native AZ, TX; Rugelia monospecific narrow endemic of TN, NC; Senecio 61 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to W USA from ND S to TX and all W, plus AK and intro in the E and HI; Tephroseris 4 spp. N temperate genus native to MT, WY, and AK; Tetradymia 10 spp. native (most endemic) to W USA from MT S to NM and all W; Tussilago 1 sp. intro to WA, MN, WI, S to TN, and all states E of those; Yermo monospecific narrow endemic of WY.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe: Adenophyllum 4 spp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, inc. 1 endemic to SW USA; Chrysactinia 1 sp. native NM, TX, most of S NAM endemic genus is Mexican; Clappia monospecific S NAM endemic sp. native to NM, TX; Dysodiopsis monospecific narrow S USA endemic of OK, TX; Dyssodia 1 sp. native to much of the USA exc. WA, OR, ID, MS, AL, GA, FL, NC, VA, DE, NJ, CT, RI, NH; Flaveria 8 spp. native to CA, UT, AZ (1 endemic), CO, NM, KS, OK, TX (1), MO, AL, GA, FL (1), SC, VA, MD, MA and intro. to HI, and an additional widespread endemic (4 total); Haploesthes 1 sp. S-C NAM endemic genus native to CO, NM, KS, OK, TX; Jamesianthus monospecific narrow endemic genus of AL and GA; Jaumea 1 sp. native to WA, OR, CA, also in Canada and another species disjunct in South America; Nicolletia 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native CA, NM, TX; Pectis 13 spp. native CA, NV, UT, AZ (1 endangered rare endemic), WY, CO, NM, NE, KS, OK, TX, LA, GA, and FL (1 endemic), and intro HI; Porophyllum 5 spp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Pseudoclappia 2 spp. native to NM, TX (1 endemic), OK; Sartwellia 1 sp. native to NM, TX, with rest of genus is NE Mexico; Tagetes 7 spp. native to AZ, NM, and TX and intro CA, MT, WY, UT, OK, MO, AR, LA, WI, IL, KY, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, MD, OH, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, and HI; Thymophylla 7-8 spp. native CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO, NM, KS, TX, LA, MS, AL, FL, SC, MA; Varilla 2 spp. native to NE Mexico (1 endemic).

USA Asteraceae: Carduoideae Subfamily Genera:

Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Amberboa 1 sp. intro to CA, UT, IA, IL, IN, ME; Arctium 4 spp. Eurasian intro to all of the USA, inc. HI but exc. FL; Carduus 6 spp. intro in most of the USA, exc. FL and inc. HI; Carlina 1 sp. intro NJ, NY; Carthamus 4 spp. intro to most of the W USA from ND S to TX and all W exc. NV, SD and inc. IA, IL, OH, SC, MA; Centaurea 33 spp. intro in all of the USA and HI and AK; Cirsium 88 spp. mostly native, many endemic, and some intro in all of USA and AK and intro HI; Crupina 1 sp. intro to WA, OR, ID, CA, MA; Cynara 2 spp. intro to WA, OR, CA, AZ; Echinops 3 spp. intro to WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, CO, MN, IA, WI, IL, IN, KY, VA, WV, MI, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME; Mantisalca 1 sp. intro to CA, AZ; Onopordum 3 spp. intro to much of the USA exc. ND, SD, AR, LA, MS, TN, GA, SC, NC, NH, ME; Phonus 1 sp. intro OR, CA, AZ, OK, TX, MA, NJ (POWO not in USDA); Plectocephalus 2 spp. native to AZ, NM, TX, OK, KS, MO, AR, and LA and intro WI (POWO not in USDA); Saussurea 7 spp. north temperate genus native WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, CO, and AK; Serratula 1 sp. intro NY, CT;  Silybum 1 sp. intro WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, TN, VA, WV, MD, IN, MI, OH, PA, NY, CT, MA, and NH; Volutaria 1 sp. intro to CA; Xeranthemum 1 sp. intro to MT (POWO not in USDA).

USA Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily Genera:

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Chondrillinae Subtribe: Chondrilla 1 sp. intro to WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, MI, IN, GA, VA, WV, MD, DE, NJ, PA, and NY.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichoriinae Subtribe: Arnoseris monospecific intro MI, OH, PA, NY, NH, ME; Cichorium 2 spp. intro in all of the continental USA; Phalacroseris monospecific narrow endemic of the subalpine Sierra Nevadas in CA; Tolpis 1 sp. intro CA.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Crepidinae Subtribe: Askellia 2 spp. N temperate genus native to WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, MT, WY, CO, UT, and AK; Crepis 23 spp. native to W USA and intro to E USA, AK, and HI; Ixeris 1 sp. intro to PA, NJ, DE, NY; Lapsana 1 sp. intro to much of the USA and AK, HI, but exc. NV, NM, WY, SD, NE, KS, LA, MS, AL, FL, SC, DE, NH; Lapsanastrum 1 sp. intro OR; Nabalus 8 spp. native throughout exc. the SW states of CA, NV, UT, AZ, and NM, inc. 4? endemics (inc. former Prenanthes); Rhagadiolus 1 sp. intro CA; Taraxacum 9 spp. intro and native in all of USA, inc. AK, intro HI; Youngia 2 spp. intro TX, LA, AR, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, OH, MD, PA, NY, and HI.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe: Hieracium 50 spp. mostly native some intro in all of USA and AK; Pilosella 3-7? spp. intro to the Pacific states, the eastern states from MN S to AR, and all states E plus GA, FL, ID, MT, WY, CO, and SD (POWO not in USDA).

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hyoseridinae Subtribe: Launaea 1 sp. intro to TX, FL; Reichardia 2 spp. intro NJ and HI; Sonchus 4 spp. intro all of USA, inc. AK and HI.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hypochaeridinae Subtribe: Hedypnois 1 sp. into CA, AZ, NM, TX; Helminthotheca 1 species intro to OR, CA, AZ, MT, ND, IA, MO, MA, NY, PA, NJ, VT, OH, NY, and VA; Hypochaeris 4 spp. introduced to much of the USA, inc. AK and HI, but exc. AZ, WY, ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, MN, IA; Leontodon 4 spp. intro to much of the USA, including AK and HI, but exc. UT, WY, CO, ND, SD, NE, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, FL, GA, SC, KY; Picris 2? spp. intro IA, MO, IL, MI, OH, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, ME, KY, TN, AL, NC, VA, MD, AK, and HI (USDA said native and intro but unlikely under new definitions); Scorzoneroides 1 sp. Intro WA, OR, ID, IA, MA, ME, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, WV, and VT; Urospermum 1 sp. intro CA. 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe: Lactuca 12 spp. native and intro in all of USA, native AK, and intro HI.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe: Anisocoma monospecific SW NAM endemic native to CA, NV, AZ; Agoseris 10 spp. native to most of W USA from ND S to TX and all W exc. OK and TX, and inc. MN, IA, MI, and AK, inc. 2? endemics but 1 sp. now intro Sweden; Atrichoseris monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native CA, NV, UT, AZ; Calycoseris 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Chaetadelpha monospecific W USA endemic genus of OR, ID, CA, NV; Krigia 7 spp. E NAM endemic genus native to the E USA from ND S to TX and all E exc. ND, SD and inc. AZ, CO, NM; Lygodesmia 5 spp. native from MN S to LA and all W exc CA and LA and inc. WI, IN, GA, FL, inc. at least 3 endemics; Malacothrix 18 spp. native, most endemic, to W USA from MT S to NM and all W exc. WA and inc. TX; Microseris 14? spp. native to W USA MT S to NM and all W plus SD, TX, MA, and AK; Munzothamnus monospecific narrow endemic genus of CA; Nothocalais 4 spp. Native, inc. 2 endemics, to W USA from MN S to LA and all W exc. AZ and LA and inc. WI, IL, NY; Pinaropappus 2 spp. native AZ, NM, TX, OK; Pleiacanthus monospecific W USA endemic genus of OR, CA, NV, AZ, UT, ID, MT; Prenanthella monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native to WA, CA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, CO, NM, and TX; Pyrrhopappus 4 spp. native, inc. 2 endemics, to SE USA from NE S to TX and E to PA S to FL exc. OH, NJ, and inc. AZ, NM; Rafinesquia 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native OR, CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Shinnersoseris monospecific C NAM endemic genus native WY, CO, UT, ND S to TX, MN, and IA; Stebbinsoseris 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to CA (1 endemic) and AZ; Stephanomeria 17 spp. native, many endemic, to W USA from ND S to TX and all W exc. SD and intro to NY; Uropappus monospecific W NAM endemic genus native WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, NM, and TX.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scolyminae Subtribe: Scolymus 2 spp. intro CA, AL, NC, PA, NY.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scorzonerinae Subtribe: Pseudopodospermum 1 sp. intro to CA; Scorzonera 2 spp. intro CA, MT, WY, CO, NM, NE, KS, TX; Tragopogon 10 spp. native? and intro to most of the USA exc. MS, AL, FL, SC and intro to AK, HI.

USA Asteraceae: Gochnatioideae Subfamily Genera:

Gochnatioideae Subfamily: Nahuatlea 1 sp. native to TX, LA, AL.

USA Asteraceae: Hecastocleidoideae Subfamily Genera:

Hecastocleidoideae Subfamily: Hecastocleis monospecific narrow endemic genus of CA, NV.

USA Asteraceae: Mutisoideae Subfamily Genera:

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Mutisieae Tribe: Adenocaulon 1 N NAM endemic sp. of an Americas and Asia genus native to WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, ND, SD, MN, and MI; Chaptalia 4 spp. native to S USA from NM E to NC; Gerbera 1 sp. intro FL; Leibnitzia 1 sp. mostly Asian genus native AZ, NM.

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Nassauvieae Tribe: Acourtia 5 spp, native CA (1 endemic), NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Perezia 1 sp. intro MA; Trixis 2 spp. native CA, AZ, NM, TX.

USA Asteraceae: Vernonioideae Subfamily Genera:

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Arctotideae Tribe: Arctotheca 1 sp. introduced to CA; Arctotis 1 sp. intro to CA, SC, MA, AZ?; Berkheya 1 sp. intro OR; Gazania 1 sp. intro to CA, NM; Haplocarpha 1 sp. intro FL.

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe: Centratherum 1 sp. intro FL and HI; Cyanthillium 1 sp. intro FL and HI; Elephantopus 5 spp. pantropical genus native to SE USA from KS S to TX and E to NJ S to FL and intro in HI, inc. 3 spp. endemic to SE USA and a 4th former endemic now introduced to Africa, SAM; Hesperomannia 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of HI; Pseudelephantopus 1 sp. introduced to FL and HI; Stokesia monospecific former SE USA endemic genus native to LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC; Vernonia 24 spp. native to most of the USA exc. WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, WY, VT, ME.

Mexico Asteraceae Genera Include:

Mexico Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily Genera:

Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe: Achillea 1 sp. native throughout all of Mexico; Anthemis 1 sp. Intro to NW Mexico; Argyranthemum 1 sp. intro to C Mexico; Artemisia 9 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to all of Mexico; Chrysanthemum 1-2 spp. intro to all of Mexico; Cotula 1 sp. intro NW Mexico; Glebionis 1 sp. intro SE Mexico; Ismelia 1 sp. Intro NW Mexico; Matricaria 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Soliva 1 sp. native to NE, SW+C Mexico; Tanacetum 2 spp. introduced to most of Mexico excluding C and Ver.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Almutaster monospecific NAM endemic sp. native to N+W+C Mexico; Aphanostephus 4 spp. mostly S NAM endemic genus native NE+SW+C Mexico, Ver., including 1 sp endemic to Mexico; Aquilula monospecific NE Mexican endemic of Coa, NL, Tam; Archibaccharis ~30 spp. native and mostly endemic throughout all of Mexico; Astranthium 10 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to all of Mexico, including 8 spp. endemic to Mexico; Aztecaster 2 spp. Mexican endemic genus of NE Mexico (1), Gro + Oax (1); Baccharis 120+ spp. native throughout all of Mexico, inc. dozens of endemics; Bathysanthus monospecific endemic to NE Mexico; Batopilasia monospecific narrow endemic of Chi; Chaetopappa 7 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to most of Mexico, excluding SE Mexico, including 3 narrow endemics of Coa (2) and Chi + Coa (1); Chloracantha monospecific S NAM + CAM endemic sp. native to all of Mexico; Corethrogyne monospecific W NAM endemic sp. native to BCN; Croptilon 1 spp. S NAM endemic genus native NL; Dichaetophora monospecific S NAM endemic sp. native to Chi, Coa, NL; Dichrocephala 1 sp. intro. to SE Mexico; Dieteria 2 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico; Egletes 2 spp. native to all of Mexico; Ericameria ~6 spp. W+C NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico, including 2 narrow endemics of BC; Erigeron ~55 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to all of Mexico inc. the Mexican Pacific Is. and includes many endemics; Euthamia 1 sp. former NAM endemic genus native BCN; Geissolepis monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico; Grindelia 10-15 spp. Including 6 endemics native to all of Mexico; Gutierrezia ~15 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. SE Mexico; Gymnosperma monospecific S NAM + Guatemala endemic sp. native to all of Mexico; Hazardia 6 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native and mostly endemic to BCN, BCS; Heterotheca ~11 spp. Throughout most of Mexico except the SE; Isocoma 14? spp. native to most of Mexico except the SE, includes several endemics; Laennecia ~12 spp. native to all of Mexico, including several endemics; Lessingia 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to BCN, NW Mexico; Leucosyris 9 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. SE and Ver, includes 2 endemics; Lorandersonia 2 spp. S-C NAM endemic genus native to NE Mexico; Machaeranthera 1-2 spp. native to N and SW Mexico; Medranoa 5 spp. Native, inc. 4 endemic, to NE Mexico and Ver; Monoptilon 1 sp. SW NAM endemic native to NW Mexico; Oreochrysum monospecific S-C NAM endemic native to N Mexico; Oritrophium 2 spp. both endemic to N Mexico and Ver, rest of genus is SAM; Osbertia 3 spp. Mexico & Guatemala endemic genus native throughout Mexico, includes 1 endemic to Qro; Pentachaeta 1 sp. Mostly CA-endemic genus native to BCN; Pityopsis 1-2 spp. Native to most of Mexico except the NW; Psilactis 5 spp. native to all of Mexico, including 1 endemic; Rayjacksonia 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to NE Mexico; Sanrobertia monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico; Solidago 8 spp. native to all of Mexico; Stenotus 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Stephanodoria monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico; Symphyotrichum 19 spp., including several endemics, native to all of Mexico; Tomentaurum 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of N Mexico; Townsendia 3 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. SE, includes 1 endemic; Xanthisma 6 spp. native throughout Mexico, including 3? endemics; Xanthocephalum 5 spp., inc. 4 endemics of most of Mexico except the SE; Xylorhiza 4 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico, including 1 endemic.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe: Achyropappus 2 spp. Mexico & Guatemala endemic genus of NW+C+ Mexico, both species endemic to Mexico;  Bartlettia monospecific S NAM endemic native to NE Mexico; Chaetymenia monospecific Mexico endemic of N+SW Mexico; Espejoa monospecific Mexico + CAM endemic sp. native SW+SE Mexico, Ver; Florestina 8 spp. former NAM + CAM endemic genus native to most of Mexico except NW Mexico, includes 5 spp. endemic to Mexico; Hymenopappus 3 spp. native to N Mexico, includes 1 endemic; Hymenothrix 5+ spp. S NAM endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. Ver and SE; Loxothysanus 2 spp. Mexico endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. NW; Palafoxia 10 spp native to N Mexico, including 4? endemics; Peucephyllum monospecific SW NAM endemic native to NW Mexico; Picradeniopsis 3-4 spp. Native to most of Mexico exc. SE; Psathyrotopsis 2-3 spp. native to NE Mexico; Schkuhria 2 spp. Including 1 endemic native throughout Mexico.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Calenduleae Tribe: Calendula 1-2 spp. intro to SE Mexico;

Asteroideae Subfamily: Chaenactideae Tribe: Chaenactis 8 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to NW BCN, BCS, Son, Sin?, inc 1 narrow endemic of BCN + BCS. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe: Bidens 56 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to all of Mexico, including Mexican Pacific Is., with high endemism; Chrysanthellum 11 spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. 8 narrow Mexican endemic spp. of Jl + Mch (3), Oax + Chp (1), Oax (1), Nay + Gro (1), Tam (1), Sun + Dgo (1); Coreocarpus 7 spp. S NAM endemic genus native N+C Mexico, inc. 6 narrow endemics of BCS (1), Sin + Dgo (1), Socorro Is. (1), Mex (1), NW Mexico (2);  Coreopsis ~17 spp. former Americas endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. SE Mexico, includes 4 endemics; Cosmos ~34 spp., including 28 endemics, of this former Americas endemic genus is native to all of Mexico; Dahlia ~42 spp. former Mexico & N neoendemic genus native to all of Mexico, with about 35 spp. Being endemic, genus now intro pantropical; Dicranocarpus monospecific SE NAM endemic sp. is native to NE Mexico; Goldmanella monospecific Mesoamerican endemic genus native to SE Mexico & N CAM; Henricksonia monospecific narrow endemic genus of NE Mexico; Heterosperma 5 spp. native throughout all of Mexico, inc. 2 endemics; Hidalgoa 2 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus native to SW+C+SE Mexico, including 1 endemic

Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe: Ageratella monospecific endemic of N+W Mexico; Ageratina ~150 spp, the vast majority endemic, are native to all of Mexico, including the Mexican Pacific Is.; Ageratum 15+ spp. former Americas endemic genus native all of Mexico, now intro subcosmopolitan; Alomia 4 spp. Mexican endemic genus, with 2 narrow endemics of Son (1), Jal (1); Amolinia monospecific Mesoamerica endemic of SE Mexico, Guatemala & Belize; Asanthus 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native N+C+W Mexico, inc. 2 endemics; Bartlettina 22 spp. native to all of Mexico, including 13 endemics; Brickellia 80+ spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. the Mexican Pacific Is.; Brickelliastrum 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico, inc. 1 narrow endemic; Campuloclinium 1 sp. mostly neoendemic genus native NE+SE Mexico, Ver, now intro to Africa; Carminatia 5 spp. S NAM & Mesoamerican genus native to all of Mexico, inc. 3 spp. endemic to Mexico; Carphochaete 7 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N+SW+C Mexico, inc. 6 spp endemic to Mexico; Chromolaena 15-20 spp. Americas genus native to all of Mexico, inc. several endemics; Conoclinium 3 spp. Americas genus native to all of Mexico, inc. 1 endemic; Critonia 16 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus native to all of Mexico, inc. several endemics; Critoniadelphus 2 spp. Mesoamerica endemic genus native to S Mexico; Decachaeta 8 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. 7 endemic to Mexico; Eupatoriastrum 7 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. NW, inc. 5 spp. endemic to Mexico 4 of which are narrow endemic spp. of Oax (2), Chp (1), Ver (1); Eupatorium 1? sp. subcosmopolitan genus native to NE Mexico; Fleischmannia ~35 spp. native to all of Mexico; Fleischmanniopsis 3 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. NW Mexico, inc. 1 narrow endemic of Chp; Flyriella 4 spp. S NAM endemic genus native Chi, Coa, NL, Tam, inc. 3 endemics;  Gymnocoronis 3 spp. native to NE+SW+SE Mexico, Ver, inc. 1 endemic to Mexico; Hebeclinium 1 sp. mostly neoendemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. NW Mexico; Hofmeisteria 12 spp. mostly Mexico endemic in all of Mexico exc. Ver, 1 sp. also native to Colombia; Isocarpha 2 spp. native to NE, SW, SE Mexico, Ver; Jaliscoa 3 spp. Endemic genus of NE+SW+C Mexico; Koanophyllon 24 spp. native to all of Mexico, including several endemics; Kyrsteniopsis 6 spp. Including 5 endemics native to most of Mexico except the NW, 2 of which are narrow endemics of Chp (1) and Gro (1); Liatris 2 spp. native to NE Mexico; Macvaughiella 3 spp. Mesoamerica endemic genus native to S Mexico, Ver, including 1 endemic to SW Mexico; Malperia monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native NW Mexico; Mexianthus monospecific narrow endemic of SW Mexico; Microspermum 8 spp. Mexican endemic genus of S+C Mexico; Mikania ~25 spp. native throughout all of Mexico; Neomirandea 2 spp. Native to S+C Mexico, Ver; Nesomia monospecific narrow endemic of SE Mexico; Oxylobus 7 spp., inc. 5 endemics to most of Mexico exc. NW; Paneroa monospecific narrow endemic of SW Mexico; Peteravenia 4 spp. mostly Mesoameria genus native to NE+S Mexico, Ver, including 1 endemic to SW Mexico; Piqueria 6 spp. mostly Mexican endemic genus native to all of Mexico; Pleurocoronis 3 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native (2 endemic) to NW Mexico; Shinnersia monospecific narrow endemic genus of Texas and NE Mexico; Stevia 116 spp. native to all of Mexico, with 100+ being endemic; Steviopsis 5 spp. Mexico endemic genus native to N+SW+C Mexico; Tamaulipa monospecific S NAM endemic native to NE Mexico, Ver; Trichocoronis 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N+SW+C Mexico.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe: Achyrocline 5 spp. Includes 3 endemics native to NW+SW+SE Mexico, Ver; Anaphalis 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Ancistrocarphus 1 sp. SW NAM endemic genus native BCN; Antennaria 4-5 spp. mostly N temperate genus native to N Mexico; Diaperia 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico; Gamochaeta 13 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. Mexican Pacific Is.; Gnaphaliothamnus 8 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. 6 endemic to Mexico; Gnaphalium 1-2? spp. cosmopolitan genus native N Mexico, many have been reclassified as Pseudognaphilium; Logfia 1 sp. intro to NW Mexico; Mexerion 3 spp. inc. 2 endemics native throughout Mexico, 1 sp. Also in Guatemala and Costa Rica; Micropus 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Pseudognaphalium ~54 spp. including 41 endemics native to all of Mexico, inc. Mexican Pacific Islands; Xerochrysum 1 sp. intro to SE Mexico. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe: Amblyolepis monospecific S NAM endemic sp. native to Coa, NL, Tam; Baileya 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N+SW Mexico; Gaillardia 13 spp. native to N+ C Mexico, Ver and intro SE Mexico, inc 7 spp. endemic to Mexico, 4 of which are narrow endemicd of Coa (3), Chi (1), now intro subcosmopolitan; Helenium ~10? spp. native to all of Mexico; Hymenoxys 9 spp. native, including several endemics, to all of Mexico; Pelucha monospecific narrow endemic of NW Mexico;  Plateilema monospecific S NAM endemic genus native to NE Mexico; Psathyrotes 1 sp. SW NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico; Psilostrophe 4 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico, inc. 2 narrow endemics of Chi (1) and Chi + N Dgo (1); Tetraneuris 4 spp. NAM endemic genus native to NE Mexico; Trichoptilium monospecific SW NAM endemic native to NW Mexico.    

Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe: Acmella 6 spp. mostly pantropical genus native to all of Mexico, inc. 1 endemic of Ver + Pue; Agnorhiza 1 sp. SW NAM endemic genus native BCN; Aldama 35-40 spp. native throughout Mexico, including several endemics; Ambrosia ~30 spp. native to all of Mexico, and intro to Mexican Pacific Is., several are endemic to Mexico; Bahiopsis 11 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico, inc. 9 narrow endemics of BCN + BCS (3), BCS (3), Socorro Is. (1), and NW Mexico (2); Baltimora 2 spp. native to all of Mexico; Berlandiera 5 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N+SW Mexico, inc. 2 endemics; Borrichia 2 spp. native to E+C+S Mexico; Calanticaria 5 spp. endemic to NE Mexico, Ver., including 2 narrow endemics of Dgo; Calyptocarpus 2 spp. native to all of Mexico; Chromolepis monospecific endemic of N+SW+C Mexico; Clibadium 3-4 spp. native to Mexico, exc. NW; Damnxanthodium monospecific narrow endemic of Sin, Dgo; Davilanthus 7 spp. narrow Mexican endemic genus of Pue (2), Qro + Hgo + Ver (1), Oax (1), Pue + Oax (1), Ver + Pue + Oax (1), Ver (1); Delilia 1 sp. native to all of Mexico; Dicoria 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico, inc. 1 narrow endemic of Son; Dendroviguiera 13 spp. endemic to Mexico, 14th sp. is endemic to CAM; Dugesia monospecific Mexico endemic of NE+SW+C Mexico, Ver; Eclipta 1 sp. native throughout Mexico, and intro cosmopolitan; Electranthera 3 spp. Mexico & N CAM endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. NW Mexic; Encelia 15 spp .native to N Mexico, inc. 10 narrow endemics of BCN + BCS (5), BCN (1), BCS (2), NW Mexico (2); Engelmannia monospecific S NAM endemic native to NE Mexico; Eremosis 21 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus native to all of Mexico, including 15 spp. endemic to Mexico; Euphrosyne 2 spp. native to N+SW+C Mexico, inc. 1 endemic; Flourensia 13 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to all of Mexico, inc. 11 endemics; Geraea  2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native BCN, Son; Hedosyne monospecific S NAM endemic genus native to N+SW Mexico; Gonzalezia 3 spp. narrow Mexican endemic genus of Son + Chi + Dgo (1), Sin + Dgo + Zac (1), NE Mexico S to Jal (1); Helianthella 5 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to N+SW Mexico, inc. 4 endemic; Helianthus ~11 spp. native inc. 2 narrow endemics, native throughout Mexico exc. Ver and SE where it is introduced; Heliomeris 3 spp. S NAM genus native throughout Mexico, inc. 1 endemic; Heliopsis 12 spp. native throughout Mexico, species and genus mostly endemic to Mexico; Hybridella 2 spp. Mexico endemic genus native to NE+C+SW Mexico and Ver; Hymenostephium 8 spp. inc. 5 endemics native throughout all of Mexico; Iostephane 4 spp. Mexico endemic genus found throughout all of Mexico; Iva 3-4 spp. Native to N+C Mexico, Ver; Jefea 4-5 spp. native to NE+SW+C, Ver; Lagascea 9 spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. several endemics; Lasianthaea 16 spp. mostly Mexican endemic genus native throughout all of Mexico; Lindheimera monospecific SC NAM endemic genus native NE Mexico; Lundellianthus 3 spp. inc. 1 endemic to SW+SE Mexico; Melanthera 2 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. NW; Montanoa 24 spp. native to all of Mexico, mostly endemic; Otopappus 14 spp. native, inc. many endemics found throughout Mexico; Parthenice monospecific S NAM endemic native to N Mexico; Parthenium ~13 spp. native and mostly endemic all throughout Mexico; Perymeniopsis monospecific endemic of NE+SW+C Mexico, Ver; Perymenium ~50+ spp. mostly endemic throughout Mexico; Philactis 4 spp. native, inc. 3 endemics of SW+SE+C Mexico, 1 sp. extends to Guatemala; Plagiolophus monospecific narrow endemic of SE Mexico; Podachaenium 6? spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. several endemics; Ratibida 4 spp. native to N+C Mexico, Ver, inc. 2 endemics; Rensonia monospecific Mesoamerica genus native to SE+SW Mexico, Ver; Rojasianthe monospecific narrow endemic of SE Mexico and Guatemala; Salmea 4 spp. native, inc. 2 endemics of most of Mexico exc. NW; Sanvitalia 6 spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. ~3 endemics; Sclerocarpus 7 spp. native inc. many endemics to all of Mexico; Sidneya 1 sp. S NAM endemic genus native to N+C+SW Mexico, inc. 1 endemic; Simsia 28 spp. native throughout Mexico, mostly endemic to Mexico; Sphagneticola 1 sp. native to W+SE Mexico, Ver; Spilanthes 1 sp. native to W Mexico, most of genus has been transferred to Acmella; Squamopappus monospecific Mesoamerican endemic of SE Mexico and Guatemala; Synedrella monospecific native to most of Mexico exc. NW; Tehuana monospecific narrow endemic of S Mexico; Tetrachyron 10 spp. Mesoamerica endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. NW, inc. 8 endemic, other 2 extend into Guatemala; Tithonia 12 spp. (entire genus) native throughout Mexico, many endemic; Trichocoryne monospecific endemic of N Mexico; Tuxtla monospecific disjunct endemic of Ver and Costa Rica; Verbesina 165 spp. native, inc. ~138 endemics found throughout Mexico, 1 sp. now intro subcosmopolitan; Vigethia monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico; Viguiera 10 spp. native throughout Mexico inc. 9 endemics; Wamalchitamia 6 spp. inc. 5 endemics of W+S+C Mexico; Wedelia ~18 spp. native throughout Mexico, includes several endemics; Xanthium 3 spp. native throughout Mexico, genus now cosmopolitan; Zaluzania 12 sp. S NAM endemic genus, 11 endemic to Mexico exc. the SE; Zexmenia 3 spp. Native to S Mexico and Ver; Zinnia ~25 spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. 6+ endemic, genus now subcosmopolitan.     

Asteroideae Subfamily: Inuleae Tribe: Dittrichia 1 sp. intro NW Mexico; Epaltes 1 sp. mostly pantropical genus native to S+C Mexico, Ver; Pseudoconyza monospecific ~pantropical genus native to all of Mexico and the Mexican Pacific Is.; Pterocaulon 1 sp. native to NE Mexico, Ver.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe: Achyrachaena monospecific SW NAM endemic native BCN;  Adenothamnus monospecific narrow endemic of BCN; Amblyopappus monospecific W Americas endemic genus native to BC, also in W USA and disjunct in C+S Chile; Baeriopsis monospecific single-island endemic of Guadalupe Is.; Centromadia 2 spp. former SW NAM endemic genus native BCN, inc. 1 narrow endemic and 1 sp. now intro to Europe; Deinandra 10 spp. former SW NAM endemic genus native BCN (3 endemics), BCS, Guadalupe Is. (1 endemic), and San Benito Is. (1 endemic) and 1 sp. now intro to W Europe; Eriophyllum 4 spp. mostly W USA endemic genus native to NW Mexico, mostly BCN; Holocarpha 1 sp. native to NW Mexico, most of genus is endemic to California, USA; Hulsea 3 spp. native to NW Mexico; Lasthenia 3 spp. native to NW Mexico, inc. 1 endemic; Layia 2 spp. native to NW Mexico, most of the genus is endemic to W USA; Madia 2 spp. native to NW Mexico, most of the genus is endemic to the W USA; Osmadenia monospecific SW NAM endemic genus of NW Mexico and California, USA; Syntrichopappus 1 sp. SW NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico; Venegasia monospecific SW NAM endemic native to NW Mexico and California, USA.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe: Alepidocline 5 spp. native to Chp, Oax, inc. 4 narrow endemics of Oax (3), Chp (1); Alloispermum 11 spp. native to all of Mexico inc. 8 spp. endemic to Mexico;  Axiniphyllum 5 spp. Mexican endemic of NE+SW Mexico; Bebbia monospecific S NAM endemic native to N Mexico; Cymophora 3 spp. native to SW Mexico, inc. 2 narrow endemics with other sp. now introduced in E USA; Desmanthodium 6 spp. endemic to NE+S+C Mexico, genus also in neotropics; Dyscritothamnus 2 spp. E Mexican endemic genus of NE Mexico, Ver; Faxonia monospecific narrow endemic of BCS; Galinsoga 8 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. 6 endemics, with other 2 spp. now intro cosmopolitan; Guardiola 12 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N+C+SW Mexico, inc. 11 endemics; Guizotia 1 sp. intro to C Mexico; Jaegeria 8 spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. 3 endemics; Melampodium 38 spp. native throughout Mexico, the center of diversity for the genus, with most being endemic; Milleria monospecific endemic genus native throughout Mexico and the N Neotropics; Oteiza 3 spp. endemic to NE+SW+C Mexico, 4th in genus is endemic to Guatemala; Rumfordia 7 spp. inc 6 endemic throughout Mexico; Sabazia 15 spp. many endemic throughout all of Mexico; Schistocarpha 7-8 spp., inc. 2 endemics of most of Mexico exc. NW; Selloa 2 spp. endemic to SW+C Mexico, Ver, other species in genus endemic to Colombia; Sigesbeckia 3 spp., inc 2 endemics native throughout Mexico; Smallanthus 11 spp. mostly endemic throughout Mexico; Stachycephalum 1 sp. endemic to SW Mexico, rest of genus in SAM; Tetragonotheca 1 sp. Native to NE Mexico, most are SE USA endemics; Tridax 25+ spp. native, many endemic, throughout Mexico; Trigonospermum 6 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. 4 endemics; Zandera 3 spp. Mexican endemic genus of most of Mexico exc. SE and Ver.  

Asteroideae Subfamily: Neurolaeneae Tribe: Calea ~58 spp. native to all of Mexico with many endemics; Enydra 2 spp. mostly pantropical genus inc. 1 native to Tab and 1 Old World intro to SE Mexico; Greenmaniella monospecific narrow endemic of Coa, NL, and Tam; Neurolaena 13 spp. inc 10 endemics found throughout most of Mexico exc. NW

Asteroideae Subfamily: Perityleae Tribe: Amauria 3 narrow endemic spp. of BCN+BCS (2), BCS (1), but mostly now transferred to Perityle; Eutetras 2 spp. Mexican endemics of NW+SW Mexico, Ver; Galeana monospecific native of most of Mexico exc. NW Mexico; Pericome 2 spp., inc 1 endemic, native to N+SW Mexico; Perityle ~4-5 spp. (under new narrower definition) native to N+SW Mexico; Villanova 1 sp. native to C Mexico and Ver.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Plucheeae Tribe: Pluchea 11 spp. native throughout Mexico.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe: Barkleyanthus monospecific native in all of Mexico; Delairea 1 sp. intro to NW Mexico; Digitacalia 5 spp. Mexican endemic genus in most of Mexico exc Ver, inc 3 narrow endemics of Chp (1), Mch (1), Gro + Oax (1); Emilia 1-2 spp. pantropical genus native to SE Mexico and intro to C. Mexico; Erechtites 2 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. NW Mexico; Lepidospartum 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Mixtecalia monospecific narrow endemic of SW Mexico; Nelsonianthus 2 spp. Mesoamerican endemics of E+C Mexico, Ver (1 endemic to C Mexico and Ver), and Guatemala; Packera ~15? spp. Native to most of Mexico exc. SE, inc. several endemics; Pentacalia ~14 spp. native to SW+SE+C Mexico, Ver, inc. endemics; Pippenalia monospecific endemic to N+SW Mexico; Pittocaulon 5 spp. inc. 4 endemics of NE+S+C Mexico, Ver; Psacaliopsis 3 spp. inc. 2 endemics of SW+C Mexico; Psacalium ~50 spp. mostly endemic throughout Mexico; Pseudogynoxys 4 spp. native throughout Mexico, inc. 1 endemic to C Mexico; Robinsonecio 2 spp. native to E+C Mexico, inc. 1 endemic in the NE, 1 sp. Into Guatemala; Roldana ~55 spp., with ~30 endemic found throughout Mexico; Senecio 63 spp. cosmopolitan genus native throughout Mexico, inc. 44 endemics; Telanthophora 12 spp. inc 5 endemics native to most of Mexico exc. NW; Tetradymia 2 spp. W NAM endemic genus native to BCN, BNS?, and Son; Villasenoria monospecific endemic of S + Gulf Mexico; Werneria 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Zemisia 1 sp. native to SW+SE Mexico, Ver.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe: Adenophyllum 12 spp. inc. 11 native to BCN, BCS, Chi, Chp, Col, Dgo, Gro, Jal, Mch, Nay, Oax, Sin, and Son, and 1 sp. found throughout Mexico, inc. 6 endemic to Mexico; Arnicastrum 2 spp. narrow Mexican endemic genus of Son+Chi+Dgo (1) and Gro (1); Bajacalia 3 spp. endemic genus of NW Mexico, inc. 2 narrow endemics of BCS; Boeberastrum 2 spp. NW Mexico endemic genus, inc. 1 narrow endemic of BCS; Boeberoides monospecific endemic to SW+C Mexico; Chrysactinia 6 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to most of Mexico exc. SE Mexico, inc. 5 narrow endemics of NE Mexico (4) and Sin (1); Clappia monospecific S NAM endemic genus native NL, Tam; Comaclinium monospecific genus native to Chp; Coulterella monospecific narrow endemic of BCS; Dyssodia 4 spp. Native, inc. 2 endemics, to all of Mexico; Flaveria 15 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc 11 endemics; Gymnolaena 3 spp. Mexican endemic genus native to S+C Mexico; Haploesthes 4 spp. S-C NAM endemic genus native, inc. 3 endemics, of NE Mexico; Hydropectis 3 spp. endemic genus of N+SW Mexico; Leucactinia monospecific narrow endemic genus of NE Mexico; Nicolletia 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native N+SW Mexico, inc. 1 endemic to NW Mexico; Oxypappus monospecific Mexican endemic native to N+SW Mexico; Pectis ~45 spp. native throughout Mexico with high endemism rates; Porophyllum ~17 spp. native throughout Mexico, with high endemism; Pseudoclappia 1 sp. native to NE Mexico; Sartwellia 4 spp. inc. 3 narrow endemics native to NE Mexico, 4th species is also in S-C USA; Strotheria monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico; Tagetes ~36 spp. native throughout Mexico, many endemic and restricted to the highlands, genus now intro subcosmopolitan; Thymophylla 13 spp. (whole genus) native to most of Mexico exc. SW, inc. 4 endemic to Mexico; Urbinella monospecific endemic genus of N Mexico.

Mexico Asteraceae: Carduoideae Subfamily Genera:

Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Carduus 1-2 spp. intro to NW Mexico; Carthamus 2-3 spp. intro to all of Mexico; Centaurea 3-5 spp. intro NW+SE Mexico; Cirsium 45 spp. inc. 28 endemics native all throughout Mexico; Cynara 1 sp. intro to NW Mexico; Plectocephalus 2 spp. native to N+SW+C Mexico; Silybum 1 sp. intro SE Mexico.

Mexico Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily Genera:

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichoriinae Subtribe: Cichorium 1-2 spp. intro N+C+SE Mexico, Ver.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Crepidinae Subtribe: Crepis 1 sp. cosmopolitan genus native N Mexico, and intro Ver; Lapsana 1 sp. intro to C Mexico; Taraxacum ~3 spp. intro in NW Mexico and native in all of the rest of Mexico; Youngia 1 sp. intro to C Mexico.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe: Hieracium 36 spp. Native, inc. many endemics, throughout all of Mexico.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hyoseridinae Subtribe: Launaea 1 sp. intro to SE Mexico; Sonchus 1 sp. intro to SE Mexico. 

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hypochaeridinae Subtribe: Hedypnois 1 sp. intro to NW Mexico; Helminthotheca 1 sp. intro to NW Mexico; Hypochaeris 1-2 spp. intro to NW+C Mexico.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe: Lactuca 8 spp. native throughout Mexico.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe: Anisocoma monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native to BCN; Agoseris 2 spp. native to NW Mexico; Atrichoseris monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native BCN; Calycoseris 2 spp. SW NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico; Krigia 1 sp. native to NE Mexico; Lygodesmia 1 sp. native to N Mexico; Malacothrix 3 spp. native to N Mexico; Marshalljohnstonia monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico; Microseris 3 spp. native to NW Mexico, primarily BCN; Pinaropappus 9 spp. native throughout Mexico, mostly endemic genus; Prenanthella monospecific SW NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico; Pyrrhopappus 2 spp. native to N+C+SW Mexico, also in USA; Rafinesquia 2 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico; Stebbinsoseris 1 sp.  SW NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico; Stephanomeria 4 spp. native to N Mexico inc. 1 narrow endemic of Guadalupe Is.; Uropappus monospecific W NAM endemic genus native to NW Mexico.  

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scorzonerinae Subtribe: Tragopogon 2-3 spp. intro throughout Mexico exc. C Mexico.

Mexico Asteraceae: Gochnatioideae Subfamily Genera:

Gochnatioideae Subfamily: Nahuatlea 6 spp., inc. 5 endemics, native throughout Mexico; Tehuasca monospecific narrow endemic of NE Mexico and Ver. 

Mexico Asteraceae: Mutisioideae Subfamily Genera:

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Mutisieae Tribe: Adenocaulon 1 sp. endemic to SE Mexico and Guatemala, rest of genus is North & South America and Asia; Chaptalia 12 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. ~7 endemics; Leibnitzia 1 sp. mostly Asian genus native throughout Mexico exc. SE.

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Nassauvieae Tribe: Acourtia 80 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. ~65 endemics; Calorezia 1 sp. S SAM endemic genus native C Chile; Jungia 2 spp. Native, inc. 1 endemic, to S Mexico; Trixis 28 spp. native, inc. ~19 endemic, throughout Mexico   

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Onoserideae Tribe: Onoseris 1 sp. native to S Mexico. 

Mexico Vernonioideae Subfamily Genera Include:

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Arctotideae Tribe: Arctotheca 1 sp. intro to C Mexico.

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Liabeae Tribe: Liabum 1 sp. native to S Mexico and Ver. 

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe: Bolanosa monospecific endemic genus of NE+SW Mexico; Centratherum 1 sp. intro to C+SE Mexico; Critoniopsis ~22 spp. native NE+SW+C Mexico, Ver, inc. 7-8? endemics; Cyanthillium 1 sp. intro to SE Mexico; Cyrtocymura 1 sp. neoendemic genus native to SE Mexico;  Elephantopus 1 sp. pantropical genus native to all of Mexico; Harleya monospecific Mesoamerica endemic genus native to SE Mexico; Lepidaploa ~9 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. NW; Lepidonia 6 spp. Inc 5 endemics native to S+C Mexico, Ver, rest of genus is endemic to CAM; Orthopappus monospecific Mexico and neoendemic native to NE+S Mexico, Ver; Piptocarpha 1 sp. Neoendemic genus native to S Mexico and Ver; Pseudelephantopus 1 sp. native throughout all of Mexico; Spiracantha monospecific N neoendemic genus native to S+C Mexico, Ver; Stenocephalum 1 sp. mostly SAM genus native to S Mexico; Stramentopappus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of SW Mexico; Struchium monospecific former neoendemic native to SE Mexico; Trichospira monospecific neoendemic genus native to S Mexico and Ver; Vernonanthura 7 spp. Inc. 5 endemics native throughout Mexico; Vernonia ~18 spp. native, inc 2+ endemics, to N+SW Mexico and Ver; Vickianthus 10 spp. Mexican endemic genus native to all of Mexico; Sinclairia ~26 spp. native and mostly endemic throughout Mexico.

Neotropical Asteraceae Genera Include:

Neotropical Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily Genera:

Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe: Achillea 1 sp. native to Guatemala, and intro to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina; Anthemis 1 sp. intro to Honduras, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Juan Fernandez Is., Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay; Argyranthemum 1 sp. intro to Nicaragua, Colombia, Bolivia; Artemisia 6-7 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to Guatemala, Hispaniola, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, NW+S Argentina, including 5 narrow high-altitude endemics of Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina, also 1-2 spp. intro to Honduras, Costa Rica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Leeward Is., Juan Fernandez Is., Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Chamaemelum 1 sp. intro to Haiti, Colombia; Chrysanthemum 1-2 spp. Intro to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Cladanthus 1 sp. intro to Uruguay; Coleostephus 1 sp. intro to Dominican Republic and Uruguay; Cotula 1-2 spp. intro to Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Juan Fernandez Is.; Glebionis 1 sp. intro to El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Uruguay; Matricaria 1 sp. intro to most of CAM, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic; Santolina 1 sp. intro to Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Soliva 6 spp. native to Costa Rica S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, E+S Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, mostly endemic to the region; Tanacetum 2 spp. Introduced to most of the Neotropics, exc. Lesser Antilles, Belize, Nicaragua, and French Guiana to Guyana; Tripleurospermum 1 sp. intro to Cuba, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Apopyros 2 spp. E SAM endemic genus of E+C+S Brazil, Paraguay, NE Argentina; Archibaccharis ~13 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize) and Colombia, most of genus is endemic to Mexico; Baccharis 380+ spp. native to CAM, Bermuda, Bahamas, Antilles (exc. Aruba, Netherlands Antilles), Galapagos, Juan Fernandez Is, and all of SAM exc. French Guiana; Bellis 1 sp. intro to Costa Rica, Colombia, Bolivia, Uruguay; Blakiella monospecific N SAM endemic to Colombia and Venezuela; Cabreraea monospecific endemic to NW Argentina; Callistephus 1 sp. intro to El Salvador, Honduras, Suriname, and Peru; Chiliophyllum monospecific narrow endemic of NW Argentina; Chiliotrichiopsis 3 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, NW Argentina; Chiliotrichum 1 S SAM endemic sp. native to NW Argentina; Chloracantha monospecific S NAM + CAM endemic sp. native to CAM (exc. Belize); Chrysothamnus 1 former W NAM endemic sp. intro to Dominican Republic; Dichrocephala 1 sp. intro to Guatemala; Diplostephium 56 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Chile; Egletes 7 spp. native to CAM (exc. Panama), Antilles (exc. Cayman Is., Puerto Rico), Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, including 3 narrow endemic spp. of Colombia and Venezuela (2) and Ecuador (1); Erigeron ~12 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to CAM, Bermuda, Bahamas, Turks-Caicos, Antilles (exc. Aruba, Netherlands), Trinidad-Tobago, Juan Fernandez Is, Galapagos, and SAM; Exostigma 2 spp. C SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, C+S+SE Brazil, Paraguay, N Argentina, Uruguay; Floscaldasia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador; Flosmutisia monospecific narrow endemic of Colombia; Grindelia ~30 spp., mostly endemics, native to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, S Brazil, Uruguay; Gundlachia 2 spp. N neoendemic genus native to the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Leeward Is, Aruba Netherlands Antilles, Venezuela; Gutierrezia 7-8 spp. native to Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, absent CAM & N SAM, rest of genus endemic to NAM; Guynesomia monospecific narrow endemic of Coquimbo, Chile; Gymnosperma monospecific S NAM + Guatemala endemic genus native Guatemala; Haplopappus 75 spp. W+S SAM endemic genus native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina; Haroldia monospecific narrow endemic of NW Argentina; Heterotheca 1 sp. native to Belize; Hinterhubera 9 spp. Narrow endemic genus of Colombia and Venezuela; Hysterionica 12 spp. C+S SAM endemic genus native to Bolivia, Paraguay, S Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina; Inulopsis 4 spp. C SAM endemic of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil; Katinasia monospecifc endemic of NW and S Argentina; Kieslingia monospecific endemic of N Chile; Laennecia 9 spp. native to Guatemal, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N Argenitina, including 2+ spp. Endemic to the Andes; Laestadia 6 spp. Neoendemic genus of the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia; Leptostelma 6 spp. SAM endemic genus of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, and Uruguay; Linochilus 59 spp. N neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador; Llerasia 14 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Microgyne 2 spp. Neoendemic genus of N Argentina and Uruguay; Nardophyllum 7 spp. SAM endemic genus Bolivia, Brazil, NW+S Argentina; Neja 5 spp. E SAM endemic genus of NE Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil (also in Cuba?); Noticastrum 21 spp. SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, S+SE Brazil, Uruguay, C+S Chile, Argentina; Novenia monospecific endemic of Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Oritrophium 23 spp. W SAM endemics of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, 2 in genus endemic to Mexico; Osbertia 1 sp. Mexico & Guatemala endemic genus native to Guatemala; Parastrephia 3 spp. neoendemic of Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, NW Argentina, S+SE Brazil; Pityopsis 1 sp. Native to the Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras; Plagiocheilus 6 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, N Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Podocoma 7 spp. E SAM endemic genus of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Psilactis 1 sp. native to Colombia and Peru; Solidago 13 spp. native to Guatemala, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil and introduced to Nicaragua, Peru, and Colombia; Sommerfeltia 2 spp. neoendemic of NE Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil; Symphyotrichum 11 spp. Native to CAM, the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile and introduced to French Guiana and Guyana; Talamancaster 6 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and Venezuela; Xylothamia 3 spp. S NAM endemic genus native to N Mexico, inc 1-2 endemics; Westoniella 6 spp. narrow endemic genus of Costa Rica and Panama.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Athroismeae Tribe: Centipeda 1 sp. native to C. Chile. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe: Achyropappus 1 sp. of Mexico & Guatemala endemic genus endemic to Guatemala; Espejoa monospecific Mexico + CAM endemic species native Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica; Florestina 2 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua; Holoschkuhria monospecific endemic of Peru; Nothoschkuhria monospecific narrow endemic of Bolivia and NW Argentina; Schkuhria 1-2 spp. Native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, C Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil; Thymopsis 2 spp. Narrow island endemics of Bahamas, Cuba, Turks-Caicos Is. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Calenduleae Tribe: Calendula 2 spp. Intro to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina. Dimorphotheca 2? spp. intro to El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Bolivia;

Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe: Bidens ~70 spp. of cosmopolitan genus native to CAM, Bahamas, Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago, Juan Fernandez Is, Galapagos, tropical SAM S to C Chile, N Argentina; Burnellia 28 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, peru, and Bolivia; Chrysanthellum 4 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Galapagos, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, N Argentina, inc. 2 narrow endemics of Galapagos; Coreopsis ?? spp. native Hispaniola, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and intro El Salvador, Costa Rica, Cuba, Uruguay (there were more but were reassigned to Burnellia); Cosmos ~5 spp. former Americas endemic genus native to CAM, Colombia Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, NW Argentina, and C+E Brazil, plus intro to Cuba, Hispaniola, Leeward & Windward Is., Ecuador, N+S Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Paraguay, and subcosmopolitan;  Cyathomone monospecific narrow endemic of Ecuador; Dahlia 3-4 spp. former Mexico & N Neo-endemic genus native to CAM and Colombia, and intro Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Leeward Is., and pantropical; Ericentrodea 6 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Goldmanella monospecific Mesoamerica endemic spp. native to SE Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras; Heterosperma 9 spp. native to the Dominican Republic, Colombia (1 endemic), Venezuela, Ecuador (1 endemic), Peru (1 endemic), Bolivia, N Chile, and N Argentina, and intro NE Brazil; Hidalgoa 2 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genera native to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru; Isostigma 13 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Koehneola monospecific narrow island endemic of Cuba; Narvalina 2 spp. narrow island endemic genus of Hispaniola; Pinillosia monospecific endemic of Cuba and Hispaniola; Tetraperone monospecific island endemic of Cuba; Thelesperma 1 sp. of mostly NAM-endemic genus with disjunct distribution found in NAM + Argentina and Uruguay.     

Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe: Acanthostyles 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Argentina, S Brazil, and Uruguay, including 1 endemic of Argentina; Acritopappus 19 spp., narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Adenocritonia 2 spp., narrow N neoendemic genus of Guatemala (1) and Jamaica (1); Adenostemma 14 spp., pantropical genus native to Guatemala (1 endemic), Honduras, Nicaragua (1 endemic), Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil (2 endemic), Ecuador (2 endemic), Peru (1 endemic), Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, and Uruguay, includes 1 Old World sp. intro Colombia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Galapagos; Ageratina ~160 spp., former Americas endemic genus native to CAM (exc. Belize), Bahamas, Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman Is.), Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, and NW Argentina, now intro Bermuda & pantropical; Ageratum 10+ spp., former Americas endemic genus native to CAM, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Cayman Is., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, N+C+E Brazil, and Bolivia, and now intro. to the Bahamas, Turks-Caicos, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Leeward & Windward Is., Venezuelan Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, S Brazil, and subcosmopolitan; Agrianthus 9 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Alomiella 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of C Brazil; Amboroa 2 spp. narrow W SAM endemics of Peru (1) and Santa Cruz Bolivia (1); Amolinia monospecific Mesoamerica endemic of SE Mexico, Guatemala & Belize; Antillia monospecific narrow single-island endemic of Cuba; Aristeguietia 21 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and C Chile; Arrojadocharis 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Ascidiogyne 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru; Asplundianthus 11 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru; Austrobrickellia 3 spp. C+S SAM endemic genus native to Bolivia, Paraguay, S Brazil (1 endemic), and Argentina; Austrocritonia 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of E+S Brazil; Austroeupatorium 15 spp. former neoendemic genus native Panama S through tropical SAM to N Argentina (exc. Suriname, French Guiana, N Chile), genus now intro to Asia; Ayapana 17 spp. former neoendemic genus native to CAM (exc. Belize, El Salvador), tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and SE Brazil, and intro to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and some pantropical; Ayapanopsis 17 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, NE Brazil; Badilloa 11 spp. NW SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru; Bahianthus monospecific narrow endemic of E Brazil; Barrosoa 11 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, C+E+S Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Bartlettina ~28 spp. native to CAM (exc. Nicaragua), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and SE Brazil; Bejaranoa 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of E Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina; Bishopiella monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Bishovia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Bolivia (1) and Chaco NE Argentina (1); Brickellia 4 spp. native to CAM, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, Galapagos, Colombia, Venezuela, N+E+C Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, NW Argentina; Campovassouria 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Campuloclinium 16 spp. mostly neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, Uruguay, inc. 11 narrow endemics of Brazil (10), NW Argentina (1), and 1 sp. now intro to Africa; Carminatia 2 spp. S NAM & Mesoamerica genus native to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras; Castanedia monospecific narrow endemic of Colombia; Catolesia 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Cavalcantia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of N+NE Brazil; Centenaria monospecific endemic of Peru; Chacoa monospecific E SAM endemic genus of Paraguay, S Brazil, NE Argentina; Chromolaena ~160 spp. native to CAM, Bahamas, Turks-Caicos, Greater Antilles, Leeward & Windward Islands, and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. N Chile), and now intro pantropical; Ciceronia monospecific narrow single-island endemic of Cuba; Condylidium 2 spp. neoendemic genus native to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Islands, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, including 1 narrow endemic of Colombia; Condylopodium 6 spp. endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador; Conocliniopsis monospecific neoendemic genus of Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, NE Brazil; Conoclinium 1 sp. Americas genus native to Cuba; Corethamnium monospecific narrow endemic of Colombia; Critonia 30+ spp. native CAM, Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman Is.), Windward Is., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, C+S Brazil, Paraguay, N Argentina; Critoniadelphus 2 spp. Mesoamerica endemic genus of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and S Mexico; Critoniella 6 spp. N+W SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Cronquistianthus 23 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Crossothamnus 4 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Dasycondylus 9 spp. SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Decachaeta 2 spp. Native to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama; Diacranthera 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Dissothrix monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Disynaphia 14 spp. E SAM endemic genera of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Eitenia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of C Brazil; Ellenbergia monospecific narrow endemic of Peru; Eupatoriastrum 2 spp. native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; Eupatorina monospecific narrow single-island endemic sp. of Hispaniola; Eupatoriopsis monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Eupatorium ? spp. native to Bermuda, Bahamas, Cuba, Paraguay, SE+S Brazil, and intro Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela (many of the genus have been transferred—status uncertain);  Ferreyrella 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru;  Fleischmannia ~70 spp. native to CAM, the Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman Is.), Leeward & Windward Is., Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina;  Fleischmanniopsis 4 spp. native Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, including 2 narrow endemic spp. of Guatemala (1) and Guatemala + El Salvador (1); Gardnerina monospecific narrow endemic of C Brazil; Gongrostylus 2 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador; Goyazianthus monospecific narrow endemic of C Brazil; Grazielia 12 spp. former E SAM endemic genus of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Grisebachianthus 7 spp. narrow single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Grosvenoria 6 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Guayania 5 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, N Brazil; Guevaria 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador, Peru; Gymnocondylus monospecific narrow endemic of C Brazil; Gymnocoronis 3 spp. native to Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, N Argentina, and now introduced to Australasia, 2 of the species are native only to Guatemala and Mexico; Gyptidium 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Argentina (1), S Brazil (1); Gyptis 6 spp. E SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, N Argentina, and Uruguay; Hatschbachiella 2 spp. E SAM endemic genus native to Paraguay, N Argentina, SE+S Brazil, and Uruguay; Hebeclinium 28 spp. mostly neoendemic genus native Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Antilles (exc Cayman, Aruba, and Netherlands), tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina, S Brazil; Helogyne 8 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Heterocondylus 15 spp. neoendemic genus from Honduras S through tropical SAM to Bolivia, N Argentina, and S Brazil (exc. Guyana and French Guiana); Hofmeisteria 1 sp. mostly Mexico endemic genus native to Colombia; Hughesia monospecific narrow endemic of Peru; Idiothamnus 4 spp. SAM endemic to Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, NW Argentina, and SE Brazil; Iltisia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Costa Rica and Panama; Imeria monospecific N SAM endemic to Venezuela and N Brazil; Isocarpha 4 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru; Jaramilloa 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Colombia; Kaunia 10 spp. SAM endemic genus of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and N Argentina; Koanophyllon ~90 spp. Native to CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador, the Galapagos, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Kyrsteniopsis 1 sp. of a mostly Mexican endemic genus native to Guatemala; Lapidia monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Lasiolaena 7 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Lepidesmia monospecific endemic native to Colombia, Venezuela, and intro to Cuba; Leptoclinium monospecific narrow endemic of C Brazil; Litothamnus 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Lomatozona 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of C Brazil; Lorentzianthus monospecific SAM endemic of Bolivia and N Argentina; Lourteigia 12 spp. N neoendemic genus of Colombia and Venezuela; Macropodina 3 spp. E SAM endemic genus of S+SE Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Macvaughiella 3 spp. Mesoamerica endemic genus native to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, including 1 endemic to N CAM; Malmeanthus 3 spp. E SAM endemic genus of S+SE Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Mikania ~380 spp. native throughout all of CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and all of tropical/subtropical SAM exc. N Chile, with very high spp. count and endemism in Brazil; Monogereion monospecific narrow endemic of N Brazil; Morithamnus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Neocabreria 6 spp. E SAM endemic genus of S+SE Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Neocuatrecasia 13 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru and Bolivia; Neomirandea 26 spp. mostly neoendemic genus native to CAM, Colombia, and Ecuador; Nothobaccharis monospecific narrow endemic of Peru; Ophryosporus 42 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, N Argentina, E+S Brazil; Osmiopsis monospecific single-island endemic of Hispaniola; Oxylobus 2 spp. Mostly mexican genus native to Guatemala, Colombia, and Venezuela; Parapiqueria monospecific narrow endemic of N Brazil; Peteravenia 4 spp. mostly Mesoamerican genus native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras (1 endemic), Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; Phalacraea 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador and Peru; Phania 3 spp. island endemics of Cuba (2 endemic) and the Dominican Republic; Piqueria 1 sp. mostly Mexican endemic genus native to Costa Rica, Panama, and Hispaniola; Piqueriella monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Planaltoa 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of C Brazil; Platypodanthera monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Polyanthina monospecific neoendemic of Costa Rica S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Praxeliopsis monospecific endemic of Bolivia and C Brazil; Praxelis 19 spp. Former SAM endemic genus native to Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, N Argentina, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela; Prolobus monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Pseudobrickellia 3 spp. Narrow endemic of Brazil; Radlkoferotoma 3 spp. E SAM endemic genus of S Brazil and Uruguay; Raulinoreitzia 3 spp. SAM endemic genus of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil; Santosia monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Scherya monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Sciadocephala 7 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Guyana (1 endemic), Ecuador (2 endemic), Peru (1 endemic), and C Brazil (1 endemic); Semiria monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Siapaea monospecific narrow endemic of Venezuela; Spaniopappus 5 spp. single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Sphaereupatorium monospecific SAM endemic of Bolivia and SE+C Brazil; Standleyanthus monospecific narrow endemic of Costa Rica; Stevia ~130 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil; Steyermarkina 4 spp. SAM endemic genus of Venezuela and E+S Brazil; Stomatanthes 7 spp. SAM endemic (+3 spp. Native o Africa) native to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay; Stylotrichium 6 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Symphyopappus 13 spp. SAM endemic genus of Peru and Brazil (exc. N); Teixeiranthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Trichogonia 20 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay; Trichogoniopsis 3 spp. Brazil endemic genus (exc. N Brazil); Tuberostylis 2 spp. neoendemic genus of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador; Uleophytum monospecific narrow endemic of Peru; Urolepis monospecific SAM endemic of Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, Uruguay, and S+SE Brazil; Vittetia 2 spp. Brazil endemic of S+SE Brazil; Zyzyura monospecific narrow endemic of Belize.  

Asteroideae Subfamily: Feddeeae Tribe: Feddea is a monospecific narrow endemic that is critically endangered, found only on serpentine soils in eastern Cuba. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe:  Achyrocline ~40 spp. native to, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and SAM (exc. Suriname, French Guiana, C+S Chile); Anaphalis 1 sp. endemic to C Chile;  Antennaria 2 spp. mostly N temperate genus are S SAM endemic of C+S Chile and NW+S Argentina;  Belloa 5 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Venezuela (1 endemic), Chile (2 endemic to C Chile); Berroa monospecific SAM endemic of Colombia, Bolivia, NE Argentina, Uruguay; Chevreulia 3 spp. former SAM endemic genus native Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, C+S Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, S+SE Brazil, inc 1 narrow endemic of S Brazil, with rest of the genus endemic to Patagonia; Chionolaena 12 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Chryselium monospecific N+W SAM endemic of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru; Cuatrecasasiella 2 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, NW Argentina; Facelis 3 spp. native to N+C Chile, N Argentina, Paraguay, S Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia; Gamochaeta ~50 native CAM (exc. Belize), Bermuda, Bahamas, Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman Is.), Leeward Is., Juan Fernandez Is., and all of SAM (exc. Suriname, French Guiana); Gnaphaliothamnus 3 spp. native to Guatemala (1 endemic), Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela; Gnaphalium 1-2 spp. cosmopolitan genus native Ecuador, C Chile, and intro to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Cayman Is., Venezuela, Guyana, Paraguay, and Bolivia; Jalcophila 4 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Lucilia 10 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Mexerion 1 sp. mostly Mexican genus native to Guatemala and Costa Rica; Micropsis 5 spp. native to C Chile, Juan Fernández Is., Paraguay, Uruguay, S Brazil, and Argentina; Mniodes 22 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and N Argentina;  Pseudognaphalium ~45 spp. Native throughout CAM, plus Hispaniola, Jamaica, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and S+SE Brazil, with high endemism at high altitudes in CAM and the Andes; Psilocarphus 2 spp. of otherwise NAM genus disjunct native to C Chile; Rhodanthe 1 sp. intro Colombia; Xerochrysum 1 sp. intro to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Cuba.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe: Gaillardia 3 spp. native to Argentina (2 narrow endemics), Uruguay, S Brazil, inc. 1 sp. intro to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Trinidad-Tobago, Bahamas, Cuba, Colombia, Bolivia, and subcosmopolitan; Helenium 3-4 spp. native to Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Cuba, Hispaniola, Chile, N Argentina, Uruguay, intro Trinidad-Tobago, and Peru; Hymenoxys 3 spp. native to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, S Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe: Acmella 28 spp. pantropical genus native to CAM, Bahamas, the Antilles (exc. Cayman, Aruba, and Netherlands), Trinidad-Tobago, Galapagos, most of SAM (exc. N + S Chile), and 1 Asian sp. intro to Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, inc. narrow endemics of Guatemala + Belize (1), N Brazil (2), Ecuador (1), and Galapagos (1); Aldama ~85 spp. native to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with high endemism in the Brazilian Cerrado and Andean valleys; Ambrosia ~13 spp. native to CAM, the Antilles (exc. Aruba, Netherlands Antilles), the Bahamas, Trinidad-Tobago, and almost all of SAM exc. C Brazil, genus now cosmopolitan; Aspilia ~40 spp. native to Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina, with the rest of the genus native to Africa; Austroflourensia 12 spp. SAM endemic genus of Peru (5 endemics), Bolivia (1 endemic), C Chile, and Argentina, with another 3 narrow endemics in NW Argentina; Baltimora 2 spp. native to CAM, Cuba, Hispaniola, the Netherlands Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay; Blainvillea 2 spp. inc. 1 neoendemic of Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, and the Galapagos and 1 sp. intro to Brazil, with the rest of the genus pantropical; Borrichia 3 spp. native to Honduras, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Turks-Caicos, the Greater Antilles, the Leeward & Windward Islands, and Peru (1 endemic); Calyptocarpus 3 spp. native to CAM, the Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Is., the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, E+S Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Clibadium 39 spp. native to CAM, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Leeward & Windward Is., Venezuelan Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to Peru, NW Argentina, Paraguay, and S Brazil; Delilia 2 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, E+S Brazil, Ecuador, Galapagos (1 endemic), Bolivia, and NW Argentina, and intro Cuba; Dendroviguiera 1 sp. endemic to Costa Rica, Panama; Dimerostemma 32 spp. SAM endemic genus of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Echinacea 1 sp. intro to Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Bolivia; Eclipta 4 spp. native to CAM, the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, and SAM, inc. 1 endemic to Colombia and 1 Americas-wide sp. are also intro to the rest of the Greater & Lesser Antilles (exc. Jamaica), Galapagos and now cosmopolitan; Elaphandra 14 spp. neoendemic genus of Panama, Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, N Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia; Electranthera 1 sp. Mexican and CAM endemic genus native Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras; Eleutheranthera 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), Bahamas, Antilles (exc. Aruba, Netherlands), and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, C+S Brazil, inc. 1 narrow endemic of Colombia and other sp. now intro pantropical; Encelia 3 spp. native to Peru (1 endemic), Bolivia, N+C Chile, Galapagos (1 endemic); Eremosis 10 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus native CAM, Ecuador, NE Brazil, inc 3 narrow endemic spp. of Guatemala (2), Honduras (1); Heiseria 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru;   Helianthus 1-2 spp. Intro to Cuba, Hispaniola, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina; Heliopsis 4 spp. inc. 3 endemics native to CAM (exc. Belize, El Salvador), Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N+SE Brazil; Hymenostephium 14 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Idiopappus monospecific endemic of Ecuador; Iogeton monospecific narrow endemic of Panama; Jefea 1 sp. endemic to Guatemala; Kingianthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador; Lagascea 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. Panama), Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Lantanopsis 3 spp. island endemics of Cuba (1) and Hispaniola (1); Lasianthaea 2 spp. native to CAM and Venezuela, most of genus is endemic to Mexico; Leptocarpha monospecific narrow endemic of C Chile; Lundellianthus 7 spp. native to Guatemela, Belize, El Salvador, and Nicaragua; Melanthera 3 spp. native to CAM, the Bahamas, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. N Chile, Suriname, and French Guiana); Monactis 12 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Montanoa ~8 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru, and intro to NE Argentina; Oblivia 3 spp. N neoendemic genus of Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Otopappus 3-4 spp. native to CAM (exc. Panama), Colombia, and Jamaica; Oxycarpha monospecific endemic genus of Colombia and Venezuela; Oyedaea 24 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Bolivia, C+NE Brazil; Pappobolus 37 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Parthenium 4 spp. Native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), SAM (exc. Peru, Chile, and S Brazil), Cuba, Jamaica, and the Lesser Antilles; Pascalia 2 spp. native to Bolivia, Paraguay, N Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Perymenium ~12 spp. Native to CAM (exc. Panama), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Philactis 1 sp. native to Guatemala, mostly Mexican genus; Podachaenium 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. Panama), and Colombia; Podanthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of C Chile; Rensonia monospecific Mesoamerica genus native Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica; Riencourtia 6 spp. neoendemic genus of Panama, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, and Bolivia; Rojasianthe monospecific narrow endemic of SE Mexico and Guatemala; Rudbeckia 1 sp. intro to Colombia, Bolivia, and Cuba; Salmea 9 spp. Native to CAM, the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles (with 5 single-island endemics of Cuba), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, peru, Bolivia, C+SE Brazil, Paraguay, and NW Argentina; Sanvitalia 2 spp. native to Guatemala, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Scalesia 15 spp. narrow endemic genus of the Galapagos; Schizoptera monospecific narrow endemic genus of Ecuador and Peru; Sclerocarpus 2 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, and Venezuela; Simsia 3 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize; inc. 2? CAM endemics), Colombia, Venezuela, E+S Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Sphagneticola 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia and NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Spilanthes 3 spp. native to Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay (1 endemic), and Brazil, with most of genus been transferred to Acmella, and rest of the genus being pantropical; Squamopappus monospecific Mesoamerican endemic of SE Mexico and Guatemala; Steiractinia 14 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela; Syncretocarpus 3 spp. Peru endemic genus; Synedrella monospecific native of CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and S Brazil; Synedrellopsis monospecific former SAM endemic of Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Tetrachyron 2 spp. Mesoamerican endemic genus native to Guatemala, most are in Mexico; Tetranthus 4 spp. Caribbean endemic genus all narrow endemics of the Bahamas (1), the Dominican Republic (2), and Haiti (1); Tilesia 3 spp. neoendemic genus of Cuba, Hispaniola, Costa Rica S to Bolivia, N Brazil, also Paraguay, S Brazil, and NE Argentina; Tithonia 3 spp. native to CAM and introduced throughout the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Trigonopterum monospecific narrow endemic of the Galapagos; Tuberculocarpus monospecific N SAM endemic of Venezuela and N Brazil; Tuxtla monospecific disjunct endemic to Veracruz (Mexico) and Costa Rica; Verbesina 150+ spp. native throughout the Neotropics, exc. N Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana, inc. 1 sp. now intro subcosmopolitan; Viguiera 10 spp. native to Guatemala (1 endemic), Belize, Honduras, Venezuela (3), Peru (2), N Chile, NW Argentina, and Paraguay (2), and intro to Colombia and Cuba; Wamalchitamia 2 spp. mostly Mexican genus native to Guatemala, Honduras (1 endemic), Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; Wedelia ~130 spp. native to CAM, the Caribbean Islands, and most of SAM exc. Chile, Suriname, and French Guiana; Xanthium 3 spp. Native to Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, E+S Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina, and introduced to Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, N Brazil, and now cosmopolitan; Zexmenia 4 spp. Native to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Bolivia (1 endemic), Paraguay, and N Argentina; Zinnia 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. Costa Rica and Panama where intro), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina and is intro to the Greater Antilles; Zyzyxia monospecific narrow endemic genus of Guatemala and Belize. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Inuleae Tribe: Blumea 1-2 spp. intro to Galapagos and C Brazil; Dittrichia 1 sp. intro C Chile; Epaltes 3 spp. mostly pantropical genus native Guatemala, Leeward & Windward Is., Cuba (1 endemic), N+NE Brazil; Pentanema 1 sp. intro to Colombia; Pseudoconyza monospecific ~pantropical genus native to CAM (exc. Belize), Cuba, the Bahamas, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Pterocaulon ~11 spp. native, many endemic to Andes and Brazillian highlands, native to Nicaragua, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina (exc. French Guiana), rest of genus in Australasia; Sachsia 3 spp. Caribbean endemic genus native to the Bahamas, Cuba (2 narrow endemics), Hispaniola, Jamiaca; Stenachaenium 5 spp. E SAM endemic genus of S+SE Brazil (2 endemics), Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Tessaria 5 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, N+S Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, N+C Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe: Amblyopappus monospecific W. American endemic genus native to N+NC Chile, Juan Fernandez Is.; Eriophyllum 1 sp. endemic to N+C Chile, Juan Fernandez Is, other 13 spp. mostly endemic to W USA; Lasthenia 1 sp. endemic to C+S Chile, S Argentina, most of genus endemic to W USA; Madia 2 spp. native to Chile (1 endemic), NW+S Argentina, most of genus endemic to the W USA.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe: Acanthospermum 6 spp. former neoendemic genus native to CAM (exc. Belize) and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. N Chile), Antilles (exc. Aruba, Cayman Is.) and now introduced pantropically; Alepidocline 2 spp. native to Guatemala, Venezuela (1 narrow endemic of Tachira); Alloispermum 9 spp. native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia (2 endemics), Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru (1 endemic); Aphanactis 11 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Cymophora 1 sp. endemic to N Venezuela; Desmanthodium 2 spp. endemic to Venezuela (1) and CAM (1) in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras; Espeletia 141 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador; Freya monospecific narrow endemic of Venezuela; Galinsoga 6 spp. Native to CAM (exc. Belize), Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Leeward & Windward Is, Juan Fernandez Is, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, SE+S Brazil, Uruguay, and intro Bahamas, genus now cosmopolitan; Guizotia 1 sp. intro to Costa Rica; Ichthyothere 27 spp. neoendemic genus of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Jaegeria 9 spp. Native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, S Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Lecocarpus 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of the Galapagos; Melampodium 14 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil and intro to Bolivia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic; Milleria monospecific endemic genus native throughout CAM, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Oteiza 1 sp. endemic to Guatemala, rest of genus is Mexican; Rumfordia 1 sp. native to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama, most of genus is Mexican; Sabazia ~11 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica (1 endemic), Panama, and Colombia (1 endemic); Schistocarpha ~11 spp. Native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Selloa 1 sp. endemic to Colombia, and the other 2 spp. endemic to Mexico; Sigesbeckia 4 spp. inc. 3 native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Argentina, C+S Chile, and Hispaniola and intro to Guyana, Brazil, and Paraguay, inc. 2 endemic to the Andes; Smallanthus 19 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, E+S Brazil, C Chile, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Stachycephalum 2 spp. endemic to Ecuador (1), Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Tamananthus monospecific narrow endemic of Venezuela; Tridax 8 spp. native to CAM (exc. Honduras), the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, S Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N Argentina; Trigonospermum 2 spp. native to Guatemala and Honduras, most of genus endemic to Mexico.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Neurolaeneae Tribe: Calea ~150 spp. native to CAM, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuelan Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina, with almost 60 endemic to Brazil alone; Enydra 4 spp. inc 3 native to Costa Rica, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Venezuela (1 endemic), Ecuador, Peru, NE+S Brazil, NE Argentina, Uruguay, and 1 Old World intro to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, S Brazil, Uruguay; Heptanthus 7 spp. single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Neurolaena 4 spp. Native to CAM (1 endemic to Guatemala), the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, N Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Staurochlamys monospecific endemic to N+NE+C Brazil; Unxia 2 spp. neoendemic genus of Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, N Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Perityleae Tribe: Galeana monospecific native of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia; Perityle 2-3 spp. native to Peru and N+C Chile; Villanova 5 spp. native to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Plucheeae Tribe: Pluchea ~25 spp. pantropical genus native to CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to N Chile and N Argentina (exc. French Guiana).    

Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe: Abrotanella 1 sp. of S Hemisphere genus endemic to the Juan Fernandez Is.; Aequatorium 12 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador; Aetheolaena 27 spp. N+W SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Angeldiazia monospecific endemic of Peru; Antillanthus 17 spp. single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Arbelaezaster monospecific N SAM endemic to Colombia and Venezuela; Barkleyanthus monospecific native in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras; Blennosperma 1 sp. narrow endemic to C Chile, other 2 spp. endemic to California, USA; Cabreriella 2 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia and Venezuela; Caxamarca 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru; Chaetacalia monospecific narrow endemic of Bolivia; Charadranaetes monospecific narrow endemic of Costa Rica; Chersodoma 11 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Crassocephalum 1 sp. intro to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico; Culcitium 13 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador (1 endemic), Peru, Bolivia (1 endemic), Chile, and NW Argentina; Curio 1 sp. intro Puerto Rico, Colombia?; Delairea 2 spp. inc. 1 endemic to Peru and another a southern Africa intro to Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Uruguay, Juan Fernandez Is.; Dendrophorbium 83 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Leeward & Windward Is., Trinidad-Tobago (1 narrow endemic extinct), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, S+SE Brazil, N Argentina; Digitacalia 1 sp. endemic to Nicaragua, rest are Mexican; Dorobaea 3 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru; Dresslerothamnus 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of Costa Rica (1), Panama (2), Colombia (1), and another in Costa Rica and Panama; Ekmaniopappus monospecific single-island endemic of Hispaniola; Elekmania 9 spp. single-island endemic genus of Hispaniola; Emilia 4 spp. pantropical genus native to CAM, Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman), Leeward & Windward Is., Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, C Brazil, NE Argentina, and intro Venezuelan Antilles and SE Brazil; Erechtites 2 spp. native to CAM, Bahamas, Antilles (exc.  Aruba, Netherlands), tropical SAM S to N Chile, N Argentina; Euryops 1 sp. intro Guatemala; Garcibarrigoa 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Andes of Colombia and Ecuador; Graphistylis 9 spp. narrow endemic genus of S+SE Brazil; Gynoxys 130 spp. SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Gynura 1-2 spp. intro to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Leeward Is, Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia; Haplosticha 3 spp. endemic genus to the Patagonia region, inc. C+S Chile (1 endemic) and S Argentina, 1-3 may extend just into the neozone in C Chile; Herodotia monospecific single-island endemic of Hispaniola; Herreranthus monospecific single-island endemic of Cuba; Hoehnephytum 3 spp. endemic genus of C+E Brazil; Ignurbia monospecific single-island endemic of Hispaniola; Jacmaia monospecific single-island endemic of Jamaica; Jacobaea 1 sp. intro. Cuba, Costa Rica, and Colombia; Jessea 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of Costa Rica and Panama; Kleinia 1 sp. intro to El Salvador; Lasiocephalus 4 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador; Leonis monospecific narrow endemic genus of Cuba and Hispaniola; Lundinia monospecific endemic of Cuba and the Dominican Republic; Mattfeldia monospecific single-island narrow endemic of Haiti; Misbrookea monospecific endemic of Peru and Bolivia; Monticalia 82 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru; Nelsonianthus 1 sp. Mesoamerican endemic genus native to Guatemala; Nesampelos 3 spp. single-island endemic genus of Hispaniola; Odontocline 6 spp. single-island endemic genus of Jamaica; Oldfeltia monospecific single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Paracalia 3 spp. endemic genus of Peru and Bolivia; Paragynoxys 12 spp. endemic genus of Colombia and Venezuela; Pentacalia ~145 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and E+S Brazil, with most endemic to montane Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru; Pericallis 1 sp. intro Colombia; Pittocaulon 1 sp. mostly Mexican endemic genus native to Guatemala; Psacaliopsis 2 spp. native to Guatemala (1 endemic), Honduras, and El Salvador, also in S Mexico; Psacalium 2-3 spp. native to Guatemala; Pseudogynoxys ~15 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and N Argentina and intro to Guyana, Suriname, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Leeward Is. and Puerto Rico; Robinsonecio 1 sp. native to Guatemala, another species is endemic to Mexico; Robinsonia 8 spp. narrow island endemic genus of Juan Fernandez Is.; Roldana ~14 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize) and Colombia; Scrobicaria 3 spp. N SAM endemic of Colombia and Venezuela; Senecio ~180 spp. cosmopolitan genus native to Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil (exc. N), Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina (100+ endemic) with very high levels of local endemism restricted to particular montane or geographic regions; Shafera monospecific single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Talamancalia 2 spp. endemic genus of Costa Rica (1 endemic) and Panama; Telanthophora 7 spp. native to CAM and Colombia; Werneria 47 spp. native to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, NW+S Argentina, with high endemism in Peru and Bolivia; Zemisia 2 spp. native Guatemala, El Salvador, and Jamaica (1 endemic).

Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe: Adenophyllum 1 sp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba; Comaclinium monospecific genus native CAM (exc. Belize); Dyssodia 4 spp. native to Guatemala, and disjunct in Peru (2 endemics), Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Flaveria 3 spp. native to Belize, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Cayman Is., Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Windward Is., Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, C+NE Brazil, N+C Chile, and Argentina; Harnackia monospecific single-island endemic genus of Cuba; Jaumea 1 sp. endemic to NE Argentina and Uruguay, another species is disjunct in W North America; Lescaillea monospecific single-island endemic of Cuba;  Pectis ~50 spp. native throughout CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argenitina (exc. S Brazil), inc. several single- or a few-island endemics in the Caribbean as well as isolated endemic SAM populations; Porophyllum 12 spp. native to CAM, the Bahamas, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to N Chile and N Argentina; Schizotrichia 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru; Tagetes ~11 spp. Native to CAM (exc. Belize where intro), and neotropical SAM S to C Chile and S Argentina (exc. Guyana, Suriname, and N Brazil where intro and French Guiana where absent), and also intro into the Antilles and now subcosmopolitan; Thymophylla 1 sp. disjunct native (mostly North America) of Argentina.

Neotropical Asteraceae: Barnadesioideae Subfamily Genera:

Barnadesioideae Subfamily: Archidasyphyllum 2 spp. Patagonia endemic genus? native to C+S Chile, S Argentina, inc 1 species endemic to C Chile (may extend into neo zone); Arnaldoa 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador and Peru; Barnadesia 23 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, C+SE Brazil, and NW Argentina; Chuquiraga 23 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, and Argentina; Dasyphyllum 36 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Doniophyton 2 spp. SAM endemic genus native to N+C Chile and Argentina; Duseniella monospecific narrow endemic of Argentina;  Fulcaldea 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Bahia NE Brazil (1 endemic) and Ecuador + Peru (1 endemic); Huarpea monospecific narrow endemic genus of NW Argentina; Schlechtendalia monospecific E SAM endemic genus of NE Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil.    

Neotropical Asteraceae: Carduoideae Subfamily Genera:

Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Arctium 1 sp. Eurasian intro NE+S Brazil, Uruguay; Carduus 1-2 spp. intro Bolivia and Uruguay; Carthamus 3 spp. intro to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Cuba, Juan Fernandez Is, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, S Brazil, Uruguay; Centaurea 4-6 spp. intro to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Cuba, Juan Fernandez Is., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, S Brazil, and Uruguay; Centaurodendron 3 spp. narrow endemics of Juan Fernandez Is.; Cirsium 2-4 spp. N hemisphere genus native to CAM, the Bahamas, and Colombia and intro to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Juan Fernandez Is., Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay; Cynara 1 sp. intro to Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Juan Fernandez Is.; Onopordum 1 sp. intro to Uruguay; Plectocephalus 11 spp. native to N+C Chile (10 endemics), Paraguay, S Brazil, Uruguay, and NE Argentina, mostly narrow endemics of N (2) and C (5) Chile; Silybum 1 sp. intro Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Volutaria 1 sp. intro to C Chile; Yunquea monospecific narrow endemic of Juan Fernandez Is.

Neotropical Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily Genera:

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichoriinae Subtribe: Cichorium 2 spp. intro to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Windward Is., Juan Fernandez Is., Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay; Tolpis 1 sp. intro to Venezuela.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Crepidinae Subtribe: Crepis 2 spp.? intro to Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Juan Fernandez Is.; Lapsana 1 sp. intro to Hispaniola, Jamaica, Juan Fernandez Is., Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia; Taraxacum ~4 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, S Brazil, C+S Chile, and Argentina and intro to Cuba, the Bahamas, Ecuador, E Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay; Youngia 2 spp. intro to CAM (exc. Belize), the Bahamas and the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guayana, and Paraguay.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe: Hieracium ~120+ spp. native, with 19 spp. native and largely endemic to high-elevation cloud forests in CAM and Hispaniola, with another ~100 species native to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, C Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina, many of which are endemic to the Andes and Brazilian highlands.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hyoseridinae Subtribe: Launaea 1 sp. intro to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Peru, the Bahamas, the Antilles, and Trinidad-Tobago; Sonchus 2-4 spp. intro to CAM, the Bahamas, the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil (exc. N), Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, C Chile, Uruguay, and NE Argentina.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hypochaeridinae Subtribe: Hedypnois 1 sp. intro to C Chile, NE Argentina, and Uruguay; Helminthotheca 1 sp. intro to Uruguay; Hypochaeris ~120 spp. native to  Colombia, Venezuela, S+SE Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina, with 80-90% endemic to South America, and 1-2 spp. have been introduced to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and Jamaica, and a few species are native to Eurasia; Leontodon 1 sp. intro to Haiti; Urospermum 1 sp. intro Uruguay.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe: Lactuca 4? spp. native to Guatemala and Hispaniola, and intro to the rest of CAM, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Colombia, Venezuela, S Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, C Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe: Agoseris 2 spp. native to NW Argentina and C Chile (1 narrow endemic of northern C Chile); Malacothrix 2 spp. disjunct natives of N+C Chile, with rest of the genus in W North America; Microseris 1 sp. disjunct North American species also native to Peru, N+C Chile; Picrosia 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Paraguay, N Chile, S Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina; Pinaropappus 2 spp. native to Guatemala.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Scorzonerinae Subtribe: Pseudopodospermum 1 sp. intro to Puerto Rico; Tragopogon 1 sp. intro to Haiti.  

Neotropical Asteraceae: Famatinanthoideae Subfamily Genera:

Famatinanthoideae Subfamily: Famatinanthus monospecific narrow endemic genus and subfamily of NW Argentina, one of the earliest diverging Asteraceae.

Neotropical Asteraceae: Gochnatioideae Subfamily Genera:

Gochnatioideae Subfamily: Anastraphia 33 spp. Caribbean endemic genus, mostly all single-island endemics of Cuba, Hispaniola, Bahamas, and Turks-Caicos; Cnicothamnus 2 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, NW Argentina, and Paraguay; Cyclolepis monospecific SAM endemic genus of Paraguay, Argentina; Gochnatia 17 spp. neoendemic genus native to Ecuador, Peru (5 endemic), Bolivia (2), C+S Chile (1), Paraguay, Argentina (1), E Brazil (2), and Cuba (1); Moquiniastrum 22 spp. SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, E+S Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Richterago 17 spp. Brazil endemic genus, exc. N Brazil; Vickia monospecific narrow endemic of SE+S Brazil.

Neotropical Asteraceae: Mutisioideae Subfamily Genera:

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Mutisieae Tribe: Adenocaulon 1 sp. endemic to SE Mexico and Guatemala, rest of genus is North & South America and Asia; Brachyclados 2 spp. S SAM endemic genus native to C Chile and Argentina; Chaetanthera ~29 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru (2 endemic), Bolivia, Chile (~18 endemic), NW+S Argentina; Chaptalia ~30-40 spp. native to CAM, the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman Is.), Leeward & Windward Is, Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to C Chile and N Argentina (exc. French Guiana and N Chile); Gerbera 1 sp. intro CAM (exc. Belize), Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, and Colombia; Leibnitzia 1 sp. mostly Asian genus native Guatemala; Lulia monospecific narrow endemic of SE+S Brazil; Mutisia ~62 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Colombia, Venezuela, S+SE Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Pachylaena 2 spp. S SAM endemic genus of N+C Chile (1 endemic of N Chile) and NW+S Argentina; Panphalea 10 spp. W SAM endemic to Paraguay, Uruguay, S Brazil, and NE Argentina; Trichocline 23 spp. SAM endemic genus of  Bolivia, Paraguay, N+C Chile, Uruguay, S+SE Brazil, and Argentina.

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Nassauvieae Tribe: Acourtia 3 spp. native Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras; Ameghinoa monospecific endemic to NW and S Argentina; Berylsimpsonia 2 spp. Caribbean endemic genus of Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, inc. 1 narrow endemic of Haiti; Cephalopappus monospecific narrow endemic of E Brazil; Criscia monospecific E SAM endemic of NE Argentina, Uruguay, S Brazil; Dolichlasium monospecific endemic of Argentina; Holocheilus 7 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, S+SE Brazil, and N Argentina; Jungia 29 spp. native to Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (exc N+NE), Paraguay, N Chile, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Leucheria ~33 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, and NW+S Argentina; Leunisia monospecific narrow endemic genus of C Chile; Lophopappus 4 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Marticorenia monospecific narrow endemic of N+C Chile; Moscharia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of C Chile; Nassauvia ~25 spp. native to Bolivia, Chile, NW+S Argentina; Oxyphyllum monospecific narrow endemic of N Chile; Pamphalea 10 spp. E SAM endemic genus of Paraguay, Uruguay, S Brazil, and NE Argentina; Perezia 33 spp. SAM endemic? native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, S+SE Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Pleocarphus monospecific endemic of N+C Chile; Proustia 4 spp. SAM endemic genus native Peru (2 endemic), Chile (1), Bolivia, and N Argentina; Triptilion 3 spp. Chile (2 endemic) + NW Argentina endemic genus; Trixis ~15 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), the Greater Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (exc. N), Paraguay, N Chile, Uruguay, and N Argentina. 

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Onoserideae Tribe: Aphyllocladus 4 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, C Chile (1 endemic), NW Argentina (2); Chucoa monospecific narrow endemic genus of Peru; Gypothamnium monospecific narrow endemic genus of N Chile; Lycoseris 11 spp. neoendemic genus from Guatemala S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and C Brazil; Onoseris 31 spp. Native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, C Brazil, and NW Argentina and intro to N Brazil; Paquirea monospecific narrow endemic genus of Peru; Plazia 4 spp. W SAM endemic to Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, and NW Argentina; Urmenetea monospecific narrow endemic genus of N Chile and NW Argentina. 

Neotropical Asteraceae: Stifftioideae Subfamily Genera:

Stifftioideae Subfamily: Achnopogon 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Venezuela; Duidaea 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of Venezuela; Eurydochus monospecific narrow endemic genus of Venezuela and N Brazil; Glossarion 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Amazonas, Venezuela and Amazonas, N Brazil; Gongylolepis 14 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, N+NE Brazil; Hyaloseris 7 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia and N Argentina; Neblinaea monospecific narrow endemic of Venezuela and N Brazil; Quelchia 4 spp. SAM endemic genus of Guyana and Venezuela; Salcedoa monospecific narrow endemic of the Dominican Republic; Stifftia 6 spp. former Brazilian endemic genus of N+E+S Brazil, also intro in Trinidad-Tobago. 

Neotropical Asteraceae: Vernonioideae Subfamily Genera:

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Arctotideae Tribe: Arctotis 1 sp. introduced to Guatemala, S Brazil, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Gazania 1 sp. introduced to Bolivia.

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Liabeae Tribe: Austroliabum 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of N Argentina; Bishopanthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru; Cacosmia 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador (2 endemic) and Peru; Chionopappus monospecific narrow endemic of Peru; Chrysactinium 7 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador and Peru; Dillandia 3 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Erato 5 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Ferreyranthus 8 spp. narrow endemic genus of Ecuador and Peru; Liabum 37 spp. mostly neoendemics native to CAM (exc. Belize), Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Colombia, Venezuela, N Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Microliabum 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of Bolivia and NW Argentina;  Munnozia 44 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Oligactis 6 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador; Paranephelius 3 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Philoglossa 5 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Pseudonoseris 4 spp. narrow endemic genus of Bolivia and Peru; Sampera 8 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Sinclairia 7-8 spp. native to CAM and Colombia. 

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Moquinieae Tribe: Moquinia monospecific narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Pseudostifftia monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil. 

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe: Acanthodesmos 2 spp. single-island endemics of Cuba (1) and Jamaica (1); Acilepidopsis monospecific E SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, C+SE+S Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Albertinia monospecific narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Anteremanthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Allocephalus monospecific endemic of C Brazil;  Baccharoides 1 sp. intro Jamaica; Blanchetia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Caatinganthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Centratherum 3 spp. former SAM endemic genus native to Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and NE Argentina and now intro to CAM (exc. Belize), Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Leeward & Windward Is., Trinidad-Tobago, Galapagos, and pantropical; Chresta 18 spp. SAM endemic genus of Brazil and Bolivia; Chronopappus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Chrysolaena 19 spp. SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, N Argentina, Uruguay; Cololobus 5 spp narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Critoniopsis ~80 spp. native to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, S+SE Brazil; Cyanthillium 1 sp. intro CAM (exc. El Salvador), Antilles (exc. Cayman, Jamaica, Venezuelan), Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, N+E Brazil, Ecuador; Cyrtocymura 6 spp. neoendemic genus native SE Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti (1 endemic), and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. N Chile), inc. 3 narrow endemics of E Brazil; Dasyandantha monospecific narrow endemic genus of Venezuela; Dasyanthina 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil and Paraguay; Dipterocypsela monospecific narrow endemic genus of Colombia; Echinocoryne 6 spp. narrow endemic genus of N+E+C Brazil; Eirmocephala 3 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, N Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Ekmania monospecific narrow endemic genus of Cuba; Elephantopus 14 spp. pantropical genus inc. 13 spp native to CAM, Greater Antilles (exc. Cayman), Leeward & Windward Is, Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. N Chile), including 9 narrow endemics of Brazil (7), Cuba (2), and 1 former USA endemic species now introduced in Colombia and Bolivia; Eremanthus 25 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia and N+C+E Brazil; Gorceixia monospecific narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Gymnanthemum 1 sp. pantropical genus native N+C+E Brazil, Bolivia; Harleya monospecific Mesoamerica endemic genus native Guatemala, Belize; Heterocoma 6 spp. narrow endemic genus of E+C Brazil; Heterocypsela 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of N+C+SE Brazil; Hololepis 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Huberopappus monospecific narrow endemic genus of Venezuela; Lachnorhiza 3 spp. Single-island endemic genus of Cuba but 1 sp. now intro Myanmar; Lepidaploa 156 spp. mostly neoendemic genus native to CAM, the Bahamas and Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Lepidonia 4 spp. inc 3 endemics native to Guatemala (2) and Costa Rica (1), rest of genus is endemic to Mexico; Lessingianthus 145 spp. Neoendemic genus of Nicaragua, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Lychnophora 33 spp. narrow endemic genus of Brazil (exc. S); Lychnophorella 11 spp. narrow endemic genus of NE Brazil; Maschalostachys 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Mattfeldanthus 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Mesanthophora 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Paraguay, and C+SE Brazil; Minasia 7 spp. narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Orthopappus monospecific Mexico and neoendemic native to CAM, Cuba, Jamaica, Leeward + Windward Is., Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina; Pacourina monospecific neoendemic genus native to CAM (exc. Belize) Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, NE Argentina, and N+C+SE Brazil; Paralychnophora 6 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Piptocarpha 53 spp. Tropical Americas endemic native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Piptocoma 18 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, and N Brazil; Piptolepis 21 spp. narrow endemic genus of C+SE Brazil; Prestelia 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Proteopsis 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Pseudelephantopus 2 spp. native to CAM, the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+E Brazil, and NW Argentina; Pseudopiptocarpha 4 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia and Venezuela; Quechualia 4 spp. SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, and N Argentina; Rolandra monospecific neoendemic to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, Bolivia, and N+E Brazil; Roquea monospecific narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Soaresia monospecific endemic of N+C+SE Brazil; Spiracantha monospecific N neoendemic genus native to CAM, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Venezuela; Stenocephalum 1 sp. mostly SAM genus native to Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Stilpnopappus 21 spp. SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Brazil, and Bolivia; Struchium monospecific former neoendemic native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil (exc. C); Telmatophila monospecific narrow endemic of NE Brazil; Trepadonia 2 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru; Trichospira monospecific neoendemic genus native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Peru, Bolivia, and N+NE+C Brazil; Vernonanthura 67 spp. mostly neoendemic native to CAM, Cuba, Hispaniola, and all of SAM exc. Chile; Vernonia 2-3 spp. native to N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, E+S+C Brazil; Vinicia monospecific narrow endemic of SE Brazil; Xiphochaeta monospecific N SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, and N+NE+C Brazil.

Neotropical Asteraceae: Wunderlichioideae Subfamily Genera:

Wunderlichioideae Subfamily: Chimantaea 9 spp. narrow endemic genus of Venezuela; Hyalis 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina; Ianthopappus monospecific narrow endemic genus of NE Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil; Stenopadus 15 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, and N Brazil; Stomatochaeta 6 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Guyana, and N Brazil; Wunderlichia 7 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Brazil (exc. S).

Patagonia Asteraceae Genera Include:

Patagonia Asteraceae: Asteroideae Subfamily Genera:

Asteroideae Subfamily: Anthemideae Tribe: Achillea 1 sp. introduced throughout the region, including the Falkland Is.; Anthemis 1 sp. intro to the Falkland Is.; Artemisia 1 sp. endemic to the region; Leptinella 2 spp. endemic to the Patagonia region and the Falkland Islands, but most of the genus is from New Zealand; Soliva 2? spp. native to the region; Tanacetum 1 sp. introduced throughout the region.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Astereae Tribe: Baccharis 35-40 spp. native throughout Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, including several endemics; Bellis 1 sp. intro to Falkland Is.; Chiliotrichum 3 spp. S SAM endemic genus native throughout Patagonia and Falkland Is., inc. 2 spp. endemic throughout Patagonia; Erigeron ~22 spp. cosmopolitan genus native throughout Patagonia inc. Falkland Is., and inc. several endemics; Grindelia 5-6 spp. native throughout Patagonia, including 2 endemics; Gutierrezia ~7 spp. Inc. 3? endemics native Patagonia; Haplopappus 10 spp. of W+S SAM endemic genus native throughout Patagonia, including 1-2 endemics;  Hysterionica 1 sp. C+S SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina; Katinasia monospecifc endemic of NW and S Argentina; Lagenophora 3 spp. Of mostly Australasia genus native endemic? to the Patagonia region and the Falkland Is.; Lepidophyllum monospecifc endemic of the Patagonia region; Nardophyllum 2 spp. Native to the Patagonia region of SAM; Noticastrum 4 spp. Native to the Patagonia region; Solidago 1 sp. native to the region; Symphyotrichum 4 spp. Native to the region including the Falkland Is. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Athroismeae Tribe: Centipeda 1 sp. native throughout the region. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Bahieae Tribe: Schkuhria 1 sp. native to S Argentina. 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Calenduleae Tribe: Calendula 1-2 spp. intro to Patagonia.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Coreopsideae Tribe: Thelesperma 1 sp. of mostly NAM-endemic genus with disjunct distribution found in NAM + SAM, including S Argentina 

Asteroideae Subfamily: Eupatorieae Tribe: Acanthostyles 1 sp. SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina; Austrobrickellia 1 sp. C+S SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina; Mikania 1 sp. Native to S Argentina; Raulinoreitzia 1 sp. SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina; Stevia 1 sp. native to S Argentina;    

Asteroideae Subfamily: Gnaphalieae Tribe: Achyrocline 2 spp. native to S Argentina; Anaphalis 1 sp. endemic to S-C Chile at the N end of this zone; Antennaria 1 sp. mostly N temperate genus native throughout Patagonia; Belloa 2 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Patagonia, inc 1 narrow endemic of S-C Chile (may extend into neo zone); Chevreulia 4 spp. former SAM endemic genus native throughout the region and Falkland Is., inc. 3 narrow endemics of Patagonia; Gamochaeta ~9 spp., inc. several endemics, native throughout Patagonia and the Falkland Is.; Gnaphalium ~10? spp., inc. several endemics of a cosmopolitan genus native throughout Patagonia and the Falkland Is.; Micropsis 1? sp. native to S Argentina; Pseudognaphalium 10 spp. native throughout the region, including 2 endemics, but introduced in the Falkland Is.; Psilocarphus 1 sp. of otherwise NAM genus disjunct native to S Argentina.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Helenieae Tribe: Gaillardia 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Helenium 1-2 spp. native to C+S Chile; Hymenoxys 1-2 spp. Native to S Argentina.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Heliantheae Tribe: Acmella 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Aldama 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Ambrosia 1 sp. native throughout the region; Austroflourensia 1 sp. SAM endemic genus of S Argentina; Eclipta 1 sp. native to C+S Chile, now intro cosmopolitan; Helianthus 1 sp. intro throughout the region; Parthenium 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Pascalia 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Verbesina 1 sp. native to S Argentina, also now intro subcosmopolitan; Wedelia 2 spp. native to S Argentina; Xanthium 2 spp. Inc. 1 endemic native to the region.  

Asteroideae Subfamily: Madieae Tribe: Lasthenia 1 sp. endemic to C+S Chile, S Argentina, most of genus endemic to W USA; Madia 1 sp. native to Patagonia, most of genus endemic to the W USA.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Millerieae Tribe: Galinsoga 1 sp. native to Patagonia; Sigesbeckia 1 sp. native to S Chile.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Senecioneae Tribe: Abrotanella 7 spp. of S Hemisphere genus endemic to Patagonia region, the Falklands, and the Juan Fernandez Is. and Patagonia, inc. 4 narrow endemics of S Chile (2), S Argentina (1), S Chile & Juan Fernandez Is (1); Acrisione 2 spp. Patagonia endemic genus of C+S Chile, S Argentina; Culcitium 6 spp. SAM endemic genus native throughout Patagonia, inc. 3 endemic throughout the region; Haplosticha 3 spp. endemic genus to the Patagonia region, inc. C+S Chile (1 endemic) and S Argentina; Iocenes monospecific endemic of the Patagonia region; Senecio ~150 spp. with about 50% endemic to the Patagonia region and the Falkland Is.; Werneria 1 sp. native to S Argentina.

Asteroideae Subfamily: Tageteae Tribe: Flaveria 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Tagetes 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Thymophylla 1 sp. disjunct native (mostly North America) of S Argentina.

Patagonia Asteraceae: Barnadesioideae Subfamily Genera:

Barnadesioideae Subfamily: Archidasyphyllum 2 spp. Patagonia endemic genus? native to C+S Chile, S Argentina, inc. 1 species endemic to C Chile (may extend into neo zone);  Chuquiraga ~8 spp. SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina; Doniophyton 2 spp. S SAM endemic genus native to C Chile and S Argentina; Duseniella monospecific narrow endemic of Argentina, including S. Argentina.   

Patagonia Asteraceae: Carduoideae Subfamily Genera:

Carduoideae Subfamily: Cardueae Tribe: Carthamus 4 spp. intro throughout Patagonia; Centaurea 1 sp. intro Falkland Is.; Cirsium 2 spp. intro to Patagonia and the Falkland Is.; Silybum 1 sp. intro throughout the region inc. Falkland Is.

Patagonia Asteraceae: Cichorioideae Subfamily Genera:

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Cichoriinae Subtribe: Cichorium 1 sp. intro to the region.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Crepidinae Subtribe: Taraxacum 4 spp. native, inc. 1 endemic, throughout the region and the Falkland Islands.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hieraciinae Subtribe: Hieracium 3 spp. native throughout the region and the Falkland Is., inc 1 endemic.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hyoseridinae Subtribe: Sonchus 1 sp. intro to the Falkland Is.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Hypochaeridinae Subtribe: Hypochaeris ~15 spp. native throughout the region and in the Falkland Is.; Leontodon 1 sp. intro to Falkland Is.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Lactucinae Subtribe: Lactuca 2 spp. intro to S Argentina.

Cichorioideae Subfamily: Cichorieae Tribe: Microseridinae Subtribe: Agoseris 1 sp. native to Patagonia and the Falkland Is.; Malacothrix 1 sp. disjunct native of S Argentina and C Chile, rest of the genus is W North America; Picrosia 1 sp. SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina.

Patagonia Asteraceae: Gochnatioideae Subfamily Genera:

Gochnatioideae Subfamily: Gochnatia 2 spp. mostly neondemic genus native to Patagonia; Cyclolepis monospecific SAM endemic genus native in S Argentina. 

Patagonia Asteraceae: Mutisioideae Subfamily Genera:

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Mutisieae Tribe: Adenocaulon 1 sp. endemic to Patagonia in C+S Chile and S Argentina, with the rest of the genus in the Americas and Asia; Brachyclados 3 spp. S SAM endemic genus native to C Chile and S Argentina (1 narrow endemic); Chaetanthera 7 spp. W SAM endemic genus native throughout Patagonia, inc. 3? narrow endemics; Eriachaenium monospecific Patagonian endemic of S Chile and S Argentina; Mutisia ~12 spp. SAM endemic genus native to the region, inc. 3-4 endemics; Pachylaena 1 sp. S SAM endemic genus of C Chile and S Argentina; Trichocline 23 spp. SAM endemic genus native to S Argentina.   

Mutisioideae Subfamily: Nassauvieae Tribe: Ameghinoa monospecific Argentina endemic of NW+S Argentina; Burkartia monospecific narrow endemic of S Argentina; Calorezia 2 spp. S SAM endemic genus native C+S Chile, S Argentina, inc. 1 endemic; Dolichlasium monospecific endemic of Argentina, inc S; Leucheria ~14 spp. inc. a few endemics native throughout the region inc. the Falklands; Macrachaenium monospecific narrow endemic of S Argentina; Nassauvia 15-20 spp. native throughout the region inc. Falklands, with high local endemism at high elevations; Perezia ~10 spp. SAM endemic? native throughout the region inc. the Falklands; Proustia 1 sp. SAM endemic genus endemic to C+S Chile; Triptilion 2 sp. Chile + NW Argentina endemic genus native to C+S Chile.

Patagonia Asteraceae: Vernonioideae Subfamily Genera:

Vernonioideae Subfamily: Vernonieae Tribe: Vernonanthura 1 sp. native to S Argentina. 

Patagonia Asteraceae: Wunderlichioideae Subfamily Genera:

Wunderlichioideae Subfamily: Hyalis 2 spp. SAM endemic genus native to S Patagonia.    

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • Cariaga, Kathleen & Pruski, John & Oviedo, Ramona & Anderberg, Arne & Lewis, Carl & Francisco-Ortega, Javier. (2008). Phylogeny and Systematic Position of Feddea (Asteraceae: Feddeeae): a Taxonomically Enigmatic and Critically Endangered Genus Endemic to Cuba. Systematic Botany. 33. 193-202. 10.1600/036364408783887348.
    Compositae Working Group (CWG) (2026). Global Compositae Database. Accessed at https://www.compositae.org/gcd on 2026-06-05. doi:10.14284/411 **This is the global authority on the Asteraceae family making it a good source.
  • FNA 1993+. Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org 2020+. https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Kilian N (2024). Cichorieae Systematics Portal. Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin. Checklist dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/gzcrwf accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-06-30. APG defers to Compositae on the Asteraceae, but Compositae is not the most current on the Cichorieae tribe; for that, refer to this source.
  • Mandel, J.R., Dikow, R.B., Siniscalchi, C.M., et al. (2019). A fully resolved backbone phylogeny reveals numerous dispersals and explosive diversifications throughout the history of Asteraceae. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–2022).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. 2009+. Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO 2019+. Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/. Accessed 2020-current. This is the site we defer to when recording numbers of Asteraceae species.
  • Stevens, P. F. 2001+. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020+. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022+): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to some of the families. Donate to support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Orchidaceae or Orchid Family

Calypso bulbosa, a native widespread orchid often found in northern climates like this one from Canada
Calypso bulbosa, a native widespread orchid often found in northern climates like this one from Canada
Page Last Updated June 2, 2026
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Introduction to the Orchidaceae Family

Welcome to the Orchidaceae family! This is the largest plant family in the world, filled with countless beautiful and bizarre flowers. Long ago when I, and probably most people, thought of orchids, I always pictured the large tropical species that people grow in orchid clubs and you find at the garden stores.

But then, years ago, as I was learning about plant families, I was surprised by how many Orchidaceae lived in the cold Canadian north, like the always beautiful Calypso bulbosa of the Epidendroideae subfamily. Sure, the tropics, especially the neotropics, have more diversity, but you can find them literally almost everywhere, except Antarctica. That’s how common orchids really are!

Common Botanical Description of the Orchidaceae

If you’re new to plant morphology, this simple guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Orchidaceae family, with no need to know any complicated scientific jargon (but there’s plenty far below if you want some!).

Below this section, you will find additional information on uses and wildlife values, as well as morphology photos to help you identify the Orchidaceae family, followed by pictures of individual Orchidaceae species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Orchidaceae

Plants of the Orchidaceae are always perennial herbs, usually from some kind of storage root (rhizomes, tubers, corms, etc.) that come in a huge array of sometimes bizarre forms. They are often epiphytes living on trees in the rainforests but may be self-supporting or climbing (some Vanilloideae). They may have well-developed leaves, a single leaf, or no leaf at all, and instead rely on soil fungi for nutrients or occasionally use their stems for photosynthesis. When present, leaves are simple with entire margins (not toothed), of various shapes, and always have parallel veins. The leaves are evergreen or deciduous (especially Orchidoideae).

Flowers of the Orchidaceae

The Orchidaceae are almost always hermaphrodites, with male (stamens) and female (ovary, stigma, and style) parts in the same flower. The flowers usually make this enormous family easy to identify because of a unique feature called the labellum. The flowers are in parts of 3, with 2 whorls, which may be interpreted as tepals or petals and sepals when the outer whorl is green. However, the inner middle tepal/petal is modified, usually enlarged and of a different color, forming the labellum that is twisted as it develops so it appears on the bottom. It acts as a landing strip for pollinators, often with colors, bumps, and hairs that help guide them in. The labellum is also often spurred with a nectar spur and may be variously shaped, sometimes forming a bag or being lobed.

Reproductive Features of the Orchidaceae

All Orchidaceae have an ovary that is almost always inferior (attached below the point of tepal/petal attachment) and has 3 chambers (carpels). There is only 1 style and one stigma, which is usually 3-lobed, with the middle lobe modified to form a physical barrier that sits between the anther cap and the stigma to prevent self-pollination. The Orchidaceae have 3 male parts in their flowers, usually 1 fertile stamen and 2 infertile staminodes, that are almost always fused with the style to form a central column topped with the anther cap.

Fruits of the Orchidaceae

Fruits in the Orchidaceae are almost always dry capsules that split open when mature, releasing usually hundreds of seeds so tiny they are often referred to as ‘dust seeds’ because they are so light that they can be carried by the wind without needing a pappus or wings. This is because the seeds have no endosperm—the nutritious part of most seeds of flowering plants—making them especially light but also highly dependent on soil fungi for germination and growth.

Uses of Orchidaceae 

Many tropical Orchidaceae serve as ornamentals, and there are just far too many to list here. Many growers and enthusiasts around the world focus on orchids, including hundreds of orchid clubs and societies that grow rare orchids.

But please, if you collect and grow the Orchidaceae, buy from reputable collectors who propagate themselves, and please, NEVER harvest from the wild. Flowers should almost never be wild-collected, but especially orchids—they often depend on complex relationships with fungi and often do not survive transplanting! Illegal harvests and very high rates of endemism are just two of the many, many reasons this family contains more critically endangered plants than any other plant family in the world, by proportion, not number, since it’s also the largest family in the world!

Perfumers also frequently analyze the scents of many members of the Orchidaceae and use them for fragrance chemicals.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of Orchidaceae

Orchidaceae plants around the world are critical components of ecosystems, often seen as crucial environmental indicator species due to their dependence on specific mycorrhizal fungi for both germination and early development, as their tiny seeds lack endosperm and they rely on very specific pollinators to pollinate their flowers. This is why their decline is often considered an early warning sign for broader biodiversity loss, like what is happening all over the neotropics right now, with countless species disappearing before scientists can even properly describe them.

Many Orchidaceae are epiphytes that grow on trees without harming them. In fact, they create root networks that help the trees retain moisture and trap nutrients intercepted from rain and leaf litter. This creates microhabitats for countless invertebrates, some of which the orchids may be completely dependent on for their pollination and survival.

Morphology of Orchidaceae in North America

First, here is a grid showing some of the common plant and leaf forms, floral arrangements, and fruit types. Below we will dive into more on the unique Orchidaceae flowers.

Learn how to identify the Orchidaceae family with these morphology photos covering leaves, herbs, flower arrangement, and fruit type.

Next, here are photos of the flowers themselves showing some of the unique floral features you will encounter in this beautifully bizzare plant family.

Some Species of Orchidaceae Found in North America

So far in North America, I have only had the privilege of documenting the Cypripedioideae, the Epidendroideae, and the Orchidoideae subfamilies. While I have not yet ‘discovered’ the Vanillioideae subfamily, it actually occurs as far north as Canada, and when I come across any members of that subfamily, I will be sure to add a pic!

Cypripedioideae Subfamily

Cypripedium acaule—Pink Lady's Slipper plants in flower, part of the Cypripedioideae subfamily of the Orchidaceae.

Cypripedium acaule—Pink Lady’s Slipper

This distinctive wild Orchidaceae is native throughout eastern North America and is easily recognized by its single large pink pouch-shaped flower and two broad basal leaves with parallel veins that grow from the ground (stemless). I found this one growing in a moist, mixed forest in Allatoona Creek, Georgia, USA.

Cypripedium acaule—Pink Lady's Slipper showing a close-up of the unique pouch-like flower.

Cypripedium acaule—Pink Lady’s Slipper

And one more picture just because I love this particular Orchidaceae so much; here is a close-up of that unique pouch-shaped flower designed to act like a maze for pollinators, temporarily trapping them inside before escaping to find another flower, thus ensuring pollination.

Epidendroideae Subfamily

Calypso bulbosa, a native widespread orchidaceae often found in northern climates like this one from Canada

Calypso bulbosa—Fairy Slipper or Calypso Orchid

The Fairy Slipper is a delicate Orchidaceae member with a single pink or magenta flower with a pouch-like lip with yellow and white hairs. It grows from a corm and produces a single oval leaf that may persist over winter. This orchid is a common north temperate species found in northern North America, Europe, and Asia. I found this one in a moist, undisturbed forest near Edgewood, BC, Canada.

Corallorhiza mertensiana is a common orchid in the moist coastal forests of British Columbia.

Corallorhiza mertensiana—Pacific Coralroot

This leafless orchid lacks chlorphyll and instead relies on soil fungi for its nutrients. It can be identified by its pale yellow to somewhat purplish flowering stem and clusters of small Orchidaceae flowers that are often marked with reddish or purplish spots. This Orchidaceae member is native to western North America from Alaska south through BC, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest of the USA south to California. This one was in Squamish, BC, Canada.

Corallorhiza striata var striata is a unique Corallorhiza with larger flowers and wider spikes than most. This orchidaceae was found in Edgewood, BC, Canada.

Corallorhiza striata var. striata—Striped Coralroot

This species is another leafless Orchidaceae from coral-like rhizomes (roots—where the genus gets its common name). This one can be recognized by its larger, showier flowers with distinctive dark purple stripes on the tepals. This one is native to southern Canada, the western USA, and south into Mexico. This lovely specimen was found in Edgewood, BC, Canada.

Tipularia discolor is a common Orchidaceae found in moist eastern North American forests.

Tipularia discolor—Crane-Fly Orchid

This unique Orchidaceae has small green flowers on a leafless stalk that appears and then disappears before its single leaf, which appears in fall and persists through winter. It is best known for its ‘discolor’ leaves, which are green on top and a vibrant purple below. This photo is of two specimens, showing the upper and lower leaf surfaces; they were observed at Red Mountain State Park in Georgia, USA. They are native to eastern North America.

Goodyera oblongifolia is a common Orchidaceae in moist coastal forests in British Columbia, Canada, where this one was photographed.

Goodyera oblongifolia—Western Rattlesnake Plantain

This evergreen Orchidaceae was the first one I discovered as a child in coastal British Columbia. I learned as a teenager that it was an orchid, which I found absolutely fascinating since I always thought orchids were tropical. It’s best identified by the evergreen rosette of green leaves marked with white or silvery veins. This orchid was found along In-Suchk-Ch Forest Services Rd. near Pemberton, BC, Canada.

Orchidoideae Subfamily

Spiranthes vernalis of the Orchidoideae subfamily of the Orchidaceae. Spiranthes are a common temperate or subtropical species.

Spiranthes vernalis—Spring Ladies’ Tresses

This slender terrestrial Orchidaceae member is one of the Ladies’ Tresses orchids known for their spiral arrangements of fragrant white flowers that twist around the stem. It has narrow basal leaves, which may or may not persist when in flower. What differentiates it from others of its genus is that it blooms in the spring instead of summer. This lovely wildflower is native mostly to the eastern USA, into southeastern Canada, and south into Mexico. I found this one blooming at Yellow Rose Canyon Camp in Texas, USA.

Platanthera brevifolia an Orchidaceae member I found in the Sacramento Mtns of New Mexico.

Platanthera brevifolia—Short-Flowered Bog Orchid

The Platanthera is a group of bog orchids known to thrive in bogs and moist soils. The short-flowered bog orchid stands out for its noticeable nectar spur, a common feature of the genus, but this one is particularly prominent. It’s also typically shorter than other bog orchids, which may be because it is adapted to grow in localized wet areas in otherwise dry, arid landscapes. This one was found growing high in the mountains above the Chihuahua Desert in sunny southern New Mexico.

Platanthera dilatata, one of the white bog orchids often found in bogs and moist ditches at higher elevations.

Platanthera dilatata—Tall White Bog Orchid

This beautiful tall white bog orchid is easy to recognize by its dense spike of sweet-scented (reminiscent of vanilla or clove) white flowers, which are pollinated by moths and can grow over a meter tall. It has several lance-shaped leaves along its lower stem, and true to its name, it’s found in wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, and riparian areas throughout western and northern North America. This Orchidaceae member was found in a wet mountain meadow outside of Kamloops, BC, Canada.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Orchidaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Orchidaceae Family

The Orchidaceae is a family of perennial herbs from corms, rhizomes, tubers, or pseudobulbs with or without a basal aggregation of leaves. They come in a diverse array of forms that are often epiphytic but may be self-supporting terrestrials or climbing (many Vanilloideae). They may be normal herbs or switch plants (the principal photosynthesizing function is transferred to stems that may or may not be succulent (cactoid)) and may have only a single leaf or no leaves at all. They may also sometimes be achlorophyllous, or neotenic, or may even be entirely subterranean (Rhizanthella). Plants are helophytic, mesophytic, or xerophytic; they are autotrophic or parasitic but initially endomycorrhizal as a protocorm, usually subsequently becoming ectomycorrhizal mycoheterotrophs, and may or may not photosynthesize.

Leaves are persistent or deciduous (commonly Orchidoideae), small to large (sometimes absent), and are usually arranged in an alternate spiral or distichous pattern but may rarely be opposite or whorled. Leaves are flat, folded, rolled, or terete and may be herbaceous, leathery, fleshy, or membranous in texture. They are imbricate or not but are usually petiolate, except sometimes in Cypripedioideae, which may sometimes have sessile leaves. Leaves are always sheathing with tubular sheaths and have blades borne edgewise to the stem or normally oriented.

Orchidaceae leaves are always simple, often jointed at the base of the blade. The lamina is entire and linear, lanceolate, oblong, or ovate with parallel veins and usually cross-venulate. The lamina may be auriculate, cordate, hastate, sagittate, attenuate, cuneate, oblique, or rounded at the base. Lamina margins are almost always entire. Vernation is conduplicate, plicate, or convolute. The mesophyll often contains crystal raphides.

Flowers of the Orchidaceae Family

Orchidaceae members are almost always hermaphrodites and frequently have floral nectaries with secretion from the perianth or from the gynoecium as well as extrafloral nectaries. However, Cypripedioideae rarely have nectaries and rely on deceptive pollination traps instead. Pollination is mostly entomophilous, with mechanisms that are often conspicuously specialized and have complex morphological adaptations that have evolved to the behavior of very specific pollinators and may involve hygroscopic movements of pollinia. 

Flowers are solitary or aggregated in terminal or axillary panicles, racemes, spikes, heads, or umbels and may or may not have scapes.

Flowers are small to large, fragrant or odorless, and very irregular, with the irregularity involving the perianth and the androecium. They are typically zygomorphic, with the inner median member being generally enlarged and different in color, forming the characteristic labellum that is posterior (adaxial) in origin but usually appearing anterior (abaxial) through torsion of the pedicel; they are usually resupinate, making identification easy, but some are not.

Orchidaceae flowers are 3-merous and cyclic, usually with a perianth of tepals, but occasionally the outer members are green and appear to have a distinct calyx and corolla. The perianth has 6 parts in 2 whorls, free or joined, with two or more tepals that are often coherent at the base and sometimes adherent to the gynoecium. They are petaloid or sepaloid and petaloid and occasionally are spotted. They may be interpreted as tepals or sepals and petals, but both the inner and outer whorls have 3 parts, which may be free, partially connate, or connate.

The labellum is often spurred and often serves as a reservoir for nectar. It is usually a different color than the rest of the tepals and is often hairy, with hairs of various colors. It may be undivided or lobed (especially in Calanthe species), flat or bag-shaped, convex or concave, and generally directed downwards.

In the Cypripedioideae, the lateral petals are often much larger than the other tepals, and the labellum is characteristically slipper-shaped, an easy way to identify this Orchidaceae subfamily.  

Androecium of the Orchidaceae Family

The Orchidaceae all have 3 members of the androecium that are nearly always fused with the style to form a gynostemium, except in rare cases when the anthers and stigma are sessile. They are also adnate to the perianth via the fusion of the tepals and the gynostemium. The androecium is 1 adelphous with 1 stamen ending in an often conspicuous anther cap that covers the mass of pollinia and two staminodes located inside, interpreted as the inner whorl. The structure is located opposite the labellum. Anthers are usually with filaments but may be sessile; they are dorsifixed to basifixed, dehiscing via longitudinal slits, introrse, tetrasporangiate, and appendaged or unappendaged.

Cypripedioideae are similar, but their members are free of the perianth but still form a gynostemium that is thicker and inflexed. They have 2 stamens opposite the labellum and one staminode that is non-petaloid and shield-like. The anthers also dehisce via longitudinal slits, but they are latrorse rather than introrse.

Gynoecium of the Orchidaceae Family

Orchidaceae members have a syncarpous gynoecium that is almost always inferior. They have 3 carpels, isomerous with the perianth, with the odd carpel anterior to the labellum. There is 1 style that is inflexed, terminal, and has a stylar canal present. There is only 1 stigma that is 3-lobed but modified so that the apex of the median lobe forms the rostellum (which forms a physical barrier between the pollinia and receptive stigma to prevent self-pollination), which sits between the anther cap and the stigma; they are wet type, papillate, and Group III type. Placentation is almost always parietal. The ovary is 1-locular with ovules not differentiated, with 30–1500+ ovules per carpel that are non-arillate, anatropous, bitegmic (usually) or unitegmic, and tenuinucellate. However, in Cypripedioideae, the ovary is occasionally 3-locular, and when it is, placentation will be axile.

Fruit of the Orchidaceae Family

Fruits in the Orchidaceae family are usually non-fleshy, dehiscent loculicidal, or occasionally septicidal capsules, but they are rarely a fleshy indehiscent berry (some Vanilloideae). Fruits are many-seeded with usually tiny, thin-walled, wind-dispersed seeds, but they may be larger and crustose in some Vanilloideae, where they are dispersed by grazing animals. The seeds are always non-endospermic or barely endospermic (development arrested early), which is why the Orchidaceae family is so dependent on soil fungi for germination and early growth to supply the necessary nutrients. There is no perisperm absent. 

Taxonomy of the Orchidaceae Family

Orchidaceae is the largest plant family in the world. It is part of the Asparagales order of the monocot clade, and it has ~30,543 species currently described in ~880 genera.

In recent years, advances in molecular phylogenetics clarified the relationships of this unique family, causing the number of genera to expand and then reduce. However, the Orchidaceae family is in constant flux as new studies clarify the relationships. This process takes time, especially in the Neotropics, which has incredibly high rates of endemism and likely underestimated numbers of genera and species.

Many species are extremely limited geographically and are critically endangered, facing extinction before accurate data can even describe them. While major advances have occurred in the last 10 years or so, we still need to do much more work on the Orchidaceae family.

The Orchidaceae are subdivided into five subfamilies as follows:

  1. Apostasioideae are a small subfamily with 2 genera of rhizomatous plants, with roots that have scattered tubers and often wire-like rootlets. There are conical SiO₂ bodies found in bundle sheath cells; the leaves are spiral, with plicate vernation. Flowers are typically not resupinate and have apiculate, keeled tepals, often with a prominent midrib. They are mostly found in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
  2. Cypripedioideae is a small subfamily of 5 genera that are widespread in the mostly warm but also cool temperate northern hemisphere. They are epiphytic or epilithic plants with roots with persistent hairs. Flowers are typically not resupinate; the outer tepals are open, and the 2 abaxial tepals of the outer whorl are connate, with a saccate labellum. There are 2 stamens as the lateral members and one single, median, conspicuous staminode in the outer whorl.
  3. Epidendroideae is the largest subfamily with 650 genera in 16 tribes found more or less worldwide but mostly pantropical, except Australia, which has low diversity. Plants are fleshy; roots typically have tiny pores, aiding in gas exchange. Many are epiphytes, holomycoheterotrophic, and mycoheterotrophic. There are bicellular mucilage-secreting floral hairs; stomata are often paracytic; leaves are unifacial, terete, or isobifacial, often articulated and deciduous above a sheathing base. The anther is bent forwards with a beak, operculate.
  4. Orchidaceae is a large subfamily with 204 genera found virtually worldwide, especially in temperate areas but also in tropical areas. Their roots are typically fleshy rhizomes and often contain no tubers. Leaves and stems rarely have sclerenchyma; leaves are spiral, soft, and herbaceous. Anthers are erect and incumbent, with acute apexes; staminodes of the inner whorl are reduced.
  5. Vanilloideae is a subfamily of 16 largely pantropical genera, some extending into the temperate zone. They are glabrous plants with sclerenchyma in leaves and reticulate venation, often with a calyculus. The tepals are often keeled; the androecium is made of 1 median abaxial member of the outer whorl, with the 2 lateral members in the inner whorl being staminodes. Anthers are characteristically bent forward by massive expansion of the apical column/connective.

Genera of the Orchidaceae Family Arranged by Subfamily

The Apostasioideae Subfamily

Apostasia (8), Neuwiedia (8).

The Cypripedioideae Subfamily

Cypripedium (54), Mexipedium (1), Paphiopedilum (110), Phragmipedium (18), Selenipedium (10).

The Epidendroideae Subfamily

Acampe (7), Acanthophippium (14), Acianthera (305), Acineta (14), Acriopsis (10), Acrorchis (1), Ada (1 unplaced), Adamantinia (1), Adenoncos (17), Adrorhizon (1), Aerangis (57), Aeranthes (46), Aerides (33), Aeridostachya (21), Aetheorhyncha (1), Afropectinariella (5), Aganisia (3), Aglossorrhyncha (13), Agrostophyllum (135), Alamania (1), Alatiliparis (14), Ambrella (1), Amesiella (3), Anathallis (117), Ancistrochilus (2), Ancistrorhynchus (17), Andinia (80), Andreettaea (60), Angraecopsis (20 or syn. Sphyrarhynchus), Angraecum (224), Anguloa (9), Ania (6), Ansellia (1), Anthogonium (1), Aphyllorchis (20), Aplectrum (1), Appendicula (155), Arachnis (15), Archivea (1), Arethusa (1), Arpophyllum (3), Artorima (1), Arundina (1), Aspasia (7), Auxopus (4), Bambuseria (2), Barbosella (19), Barkeria (19), Batemannia (3), Beclardia (2), Benzingia (11), Biermannia (11), Bifrenaria (52), Bletia (56), Bletilla (6), Bogoria (5), Bolusiella (6), Brachionidium (83), Brachypeza (12), Braemia (1), Brassavola (19), Brassia (70), Bromheadia (29), Broughtonia (6), Bryobium (27), Bulbophyllum (2216), Calanthe (282), Callostylis (3), Calopogon (5), Caluera (5), Calymmanthera (5), Calypso (1), Calyptrochilum (3), Campanulorchis (4), Campylocentrum (78), Capanemia (8), Catasetum (206), Cattleya (136), Caucaea (19), Caularthron (4), Cephalanthera (21), Ceratocentron (1), Ceratostylis (153), Chamaeanthus (4), Chamelophyton (1), Changnienia (2), Chaubardia (3), Chaubardiella (8), Cheiradenia (1), Chiloschista (34), Chondrorhyncha (5), Chondroscaphe (16), Chroniochilus (5), Chrysoglossum (4), Chysis (13), Chytroglossa (3), Cirrhaea (7), Cischweinfia (13), Claderia (2), Cleisocentron (8), Cleisomeria (2), Cleisostoma (107), Cleisostomopsis (5), Clowesia (8), Cochleanthes (4), Coelia (5), Coeliopsis (1), Coelogyne (600), Collabium (15), Comparettia (89), Constantia (6), Corallorrhiza (12), Coryanthes (71), Corymborkis (8), Cottonia (1), Cremastra (7), Crepidium (305), Crossoglossa (51), Crossoliparis (1), Cryptarrhena (3), Cryptochilus (8), Cryptopus (4), Cryptopylos (4), Cuitlauzina (8), Cyanaeorchis (3), Cycnoches (33), Cylindrolobus (79), Cymbidium (92), Cymboglossum (10 or syn. Rhynchostele), Cypholoron (2), Cyrtochiloides (3), Cyrtochilum (214), Cyrtopodium (51), Cyrtorchis (19), Dactylostalix (2), Daiotyla (5), Danxiaorchis (3), Deceptor (1), Dendrobium (1603), Dendrolirium (13), Dendrophylax (16), Devogelia (1), Diaphananthe (29), Diceratostele (1), Dichaea (127), Didymoplexiella (9), Didymoplexiopsis (1), Didymoplexis (22), Dienia (5), Diglyphosa (3), Dilochia (10), Dilochiopsis (1), Dilomilis (5), Dimerandra (7), Dimorphorchis (11), Dinema (1), Dinklageella (4), Diodonopsis (6), Diplocentrum (2), Diploprora (2), Dipodium (42), Disa (186), Discyphus (1), Disperis (81), Dunstervillea (11), Dyakia (1), Earina (7), Echinorhyncha (5), Echinosepala (17), Eggelingia (3 or syn. Tridactyle), Eleorchis (1), Elleanthus (158), Embreea (2), Encyclia (175), Ephippianthus (2), Epiblastus (23), Epidendrum (1889), Epilyna (2), Epipactis (70), Epipogium (8), Erasanthe (1), Eria (45), Eriodes (1), Eriopsis (4), Erycina (7), Eulophia (286), Euryblema (2), Eurychone (2), Fernandezia (89), Frondaria (3), Galeandra (41), Galeottia (12), Gastrochilus (88), Gastrodia (113), Gomesa (129), Gongora (81), Govenia (29), Grammangis (2), Grammatophyllum (13), Graphorkis (4), Grobya (5), Grosourdya (26), Guarianthe (4), Gunnarella (6), Hagsatera (2), Hammarbya (1), Hancockia (1), Hederorkis (2), Helleriella (2), Hintonella (1), Hoehneella (2), Hofmeisterella (2), Holcoglossum (24), Homalopetalum (10), Horichia (1), Horvatia (1), Houlletia (9), Humboldtia (8 or syn. Stelis), Huntleya (17), Hymenorchis (14), Imerinaea (1), Ionopsis (7), Ipsea (3), Isabelia (3), Isotria (2), Ixyophora (8), Jacquiniella (12), Jejewoodia (6), Jumellea (55), Kefersteinia (65), Kegeliella (3), Koellensteinia (14), Kylicanthe (6), Lacaena (2), Laelia (25), Lankesteriana (22), Lemurella (4), Lemurorchis (1), Leochilus (12), Lepanthes (1231), Lepanthopsis (50), Leptotes (10), Limodorum (3), Liparis (446), Listrostachys (1), Lockhartia (33), Loefgrenianthus (1), Lueckelia (1), Lueddemannia (3), Luisia (54), Lycaste (42), Lycomormium (5), Macradenia (13), Macroclinium (49), Macropodanthus (11), Madisonia (10), Malaxis (172), Masdevallia (656), Maxillaria (665), Mediocalcar (17), Meiracyllium (2), Mengzia (1), Miltonia (12), Miltoniopsis (5), Mobilabium (1), Monophyllorchis (6), Mormodes (87), Mycaranthes (37), Myoxanthus (56), Myrmecophila (10), Mystacidium (10), Nemaconia (6), Neobathiea (6), Neocogniauxia (2), Neogardneria (1), Neomoorea (1), Neottia (87), Nephelaphyllum (14), Nephrangis (2), Nervilia (83), Nidema (2), Nohawilliamsia (1), Notylia (54), Notyliopsis (1), Oberonia (266), Oberonioides (8), Octarrhena (50), Octomeria (171), Oeonia (5), Oeoniella (2), Oestlundia (4), Oliveriana (15), Omoea (2), Oncidium (339), Ophidion (17 or syn. Phloeophila), Ophioglossella (1), Oreorchis (17), Orestias (4), Orleanesia (6), Ornithocephalus (56), Otoglossum (27), Otostylis (2), Oxystophyllum (36), Pabstia (5), Pabstiella (132), Pachystoma (1), Palmorchis (38), Paphinia (16), Papilionanthe (12), Paradisanthus (1), Paraphalaenopsis (4), Pelatantheria (8), Pennilabium (18), Peristeranthus (1), Peristeria (13), Pescatoria (21), Phalaenopsis (83), Phloeophila (6), Phragmorchis (1), Phreatia (221), Phymatidium (9), Pilophyllum (1), Pinalia (176), Platyrhiza (1), Platystele (124), Plectorrhiza (5), Plectrelminthus (1), Plectrophora (10), Pleione (26), Pleurothallis (602), Pleurothallopsis (21), Plocoglottis (35), Poaephyllum (7), Podangis (2), Podochilus (65), Pogoniopsis (2), Polycycnis (15), Polyotidium (1), Polystachya (250), Pomatocalpa (23), Ponera (2), Porpax (57), Porphyroglottis (1), Porroglossum (59), Porrorhachis (2), Promenaea (1), Prosthechea (132), Pseuderia (21), Pseudolaelia (14), Psilochilus (19), Psychilis (15), Psychopsis (4), Pteroceras (22), Pterostemma (5), Pygmaeorchis (2), Quekettia (7), Quisqueya (4), Rangaeris (3), Rauhiella (3), Renanthera (22), Restrepia (69), Restrepiella (3), Rhinerrhiza (1), Rhinerrhizopsis (4), Rhipidoglossum (54), Rhynchogyna (2), Rhyncholaelia (2), Rhynchostele (17), Rhynchostylis (4), Ridleyella (1), Risleya (1), Robiquetia (97), Rodriguezia (46), Rossioglossum (13), Saccolabiopsis (14), Saccolabium (4), Sanderella (2), Santotomasia (1), Sarcanthopsis (6), Sarcochilus (23), Sarcoglyphis (14), Sarcophyton (3), Scaphosepalum (60), Scaphyglottis (78), Schlimia (6), Schoenorchis (32), Schunkea (1), Seegeriella (3), Seidenfadenia (1), Sirhookera (2), Smithsonia (3), Smitinandia (3), Sobennikoffia (4), Sobralia (195), Solenangis (5), Solenidium (3), Soterosanthus (1), Sotoa (1), Spathoglottis (43), Specklinia (117), Sphyrarhynchus (3), Stanhopea (78), Stelis (1342), Stenia (22), Stereochilus (9), Stereosandra (1), Stichorkis (27), Strongyleria (4), Suarezia (1), Sudamerlycaste (45 or syn. Ida), Summerhayesia (2), Sutrina (2), Systeloglossum (5), Taeniophyllum (251), Tamayorkis (4? or syn. Malaxis), Tainia (30), Taprobanea (1), Teagueia (18), Telipogon (258), Tetramicra (10), Thaia (1), Thecopus (2), Thecostele (1), Thelasis (1?), Thrixspermum (201), Thunia (4), Thysanoglossa (3), Tipularia (5), Tolumnia (30), Tomzanonia (1), Trevoria (5), Triceratorhynchus (3), Trichocentrum (103), Trichoceros (10), Trichoglottis (89), Trichopilia (47), Trichosalpinx (39), Trichotosia (76), Tridactyle (52), Triphora (25), Trisetella (29), Trizeuxis (1), Tropidia (34), Tuberolabium (10), Uleiorchis (4), Uncifera (7), Vanda (90), Vandopsis (2), Vargasiella (2), Vasqueziella (1), Veyretella (2), Vitekorchis (4), Warczewiczella (11), Warmingia (4), Warrea (4), Warreella (2), Warreopsis (1), Wullschlaegelia (2), Xerorchis (2), Xylobium (18), Yoania (5), Ypsilopus (14), Zelenkoa (1), Zootrophion (40), Zygopetalum (6), Zygosepalum (3), Zygostates (32).

The Orchidoideae Subfamily

Aa (26), Achlydosa (1), Acianthus (9), Adenochilus (2), Aenhenrya (1), Altensteinia (8), Anacamptis (13), Anoectochilus (51), Aporostylis (1), Aracamunia (1), Arthrochilus (15), Aulosepalum (10), Baskervilla (11), Beloglottis (8), Benthamia (42), Bipinnula (10), Bonatea (13), Brachycorythis (40), Brachystele (19), Brownleea (8), Buchtienia (4), Burnettia (1), Caladenia (307), Caleana (15), Calochilus (31), Ceratandra (6), Chamaegastrodia (5), Chamorchis (1), Cheirostylis (63), Chiloglottis (26), Chloraea (54), Coccineorchis (8), Codonorchis (2), Coilochilus (1), Cooktownia (1), Corybas (160), Corycium (13), Cotylolabium (1), Cranichis (92), Cryptostylis (23), Cybebus (1), Cyclopogon (107), Cynorkis (179), Cyrtostylis (6), Cystorchis (20), Dactylorhiza (34), Danhatchia (3), Degranvillea (1), Deiregyne (25), Dichromanthus (4), Diplomeris (3), Diuris (102), Dossinia (1), Dracomonticola (1), Drakaea (10), Domingoa (4), Draconanthes (10), Dracula (147), Dresslerella (14), Dressleria (13), Dryadella (55), Dryadorchis (5), Drymoanthus (8), Eclecticus (1), Eltroplectris (16), Epiblema (1), Eriaxis (1), Eriochilus (12), Erythrodes (26), Espinhassoa (2), Eurycentrum (4), Fuertesiella (1), Funkiella (16), Galearis (10), Galeoglossum (3), Galeottiella (3), Gavilea (17), Gennaria (2), Genoplesium (62), Glomera (155), Gomphichis (34), Gonatostylis (2), Goodyera (100), Gymnadenia (30), Habenaria (933), Halleorchis (1), Hapalorchis (13), Helonoma (4), Hemipilia (4), Herminium (52), Herpysma (1), Hetaeria (26), Himantoglossum (9), Holothrix (48), Huttonaea (5), Hylophila (6), Kionophyton (4), Kuhlhasseltia (1? unplaced), Lankesterella (11), Lepidogyne (1), Leporella (1), Leptoceras (1), Ludisia (2), Lyperanthus (2), Lyroglossa (2), Macodes (11), Manniella (2), Megalorchis (1), Megastylis (6), Mesadenella (10), Mesadenus (5), Microchilus (263), Microcoelia (37), Microepidendrum (1), (21), Microsaccus (13), Microtis (23), Myrmechis (3? unplaced), Myrosmodes (14), Neobolusia (3), Neotinea (6), Nothostele (2), Odontochilus (73), Odontorrhynchus (5), Oligophyton (1), Ophrys (25), Orchipedum (4), Orchis (22), Orthoceras (2), Pachites (2), Pachyplectron (3), Papuaea (1), Pecteilis (10), Pelexia (96), Peristylus (102), Pheladenia (1), Physoceras (12), Physogyne (3), Platanthera (155), Platycoryne (1?), Platylepis (20), Ponerorchis (1?), Ponthieva (76), Porphyrostachys (2), Praecoxanthus (1), Prasophyllum (150), Prescottia (25), Pseudocentrum (17), Pseudogoodyera (1), Pseudorchis (1), Pterichis (45), Pteroglossa (14), Pterostylis (315), Pterygodium (20), Pyrorchis (2), Quechua (1), Rhizanthella (5), Rhomboda (27), Rimacola (1), Sacoila (9), Sarcoglottis (57), Satyrium (91), Sauroglossum (11), Schiedeella (18), Schizochilus (11), Schuitemania (1), Serapias (18), Sertifera (11), Sievekingia (14), Silvorchis (5), Sirindhornia (3), Skeptrostachys (10), Solenocentrum (4), Spiculaea (1), Spiranthes (44), Stenoglottis (5), Stenoptera (6), Stenorrhynchos (7), Stenotyla (9), Steveniella (1), Stigmatodactylus (28), Svenkoeltzia (3), Thelymitra (120), Thelyschista (1), Thulinia (1), Townsonia (3), Traunsteinera (2), Tylostigma (8), Vrydagzynea (43), Waireia (1), Zeuxine (84).

The Vanilloideae Subfamily

Cleistes (59), Cleistesiopsis (3), Clematepistephium (1), Cyrtosia (7), Duckeella (8), Epistephium (28), Erythrorchis (2), Eurystyles (23), Evotella (2), Galeola (5), Isochilus (13), Lecanorchis (24), Pogonia (6), Pseudovanilla (8), Vanilla (127).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Orchidaceae are easily distinguished from all other plants, as they usually share some very evident derived characteristics or synapomorphies. Among these are zygomorphic flowers, many resupinate flowers, a nearly always highly modified petal (labellum), fused stamens and carpels, and extremely small seeds. There are many epiphytes, and many/most have highly specialized pollination mechanisms that have evolved for very specific pollinator species. In the past, I would have said the only family it might be confused with is the Cypripediaceae, but those are now included as the subfamily Cypripedioideae.

Distribution of the Orchidaceae

The Orchidaceae is a cosmopolitan family found from frigid (rare) to tropical zones, where it is by far the most abundant. In the Americas, the family is widely distributed throughout Canada and the USA, including the Arctic. Orchidaceae are particularly abundant in Mexico and especially the Neotropics, with each showing very high rates of endemic species. However, it is not well represented in the southern temperate Patagonia region of the Americas, but there are still some Orchidoideae represented there.  

Distribution of the Orchidaceae in the Americas

Canadian Orchidaceae Genera Include:

Surprisingly, Canada has a number of native Orchidaceae found throughout the country, with all 4 of the most common subfamilies found there.

Cypripedioideae in Canada:

Cypripedium 12 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic, but possibly excluding Labrador. 

Epidendroideae in Canada:

Aplectrum 1 sp. native to ON, QC; Arethusa monospecific E NAM endemic sp. native to most of Canada, including the Arctic, but excluding BC, YT, and NU; Calopogon 1 sp. native to MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, and NL (exc. Labrador); Calypso monospecific N temperate species native to most of Canada, inc. Arctic, but exc. Labrador and PE; Cephalanthera 1 sp. native to BC; Corallorhiza 5 spp. native to all of Canada, inc. Arctic (and Greenland); Epipactis 2 spp. native to BC, introduced to MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, and NL (exc. Labrador); Hammarbya monospecific N temperate species native to BC E to ON, plus YK and NWT; Isotria 2 spp. native to ON; Liparis 2 spp. are native to most of Canada, including the Arctic, but exclude YT, NU, and Labrador; Malaxis 4 spp. native to most of Canada, including the Arctic, but excluding NU; Neottia 8 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland); Triphora 1 sp. native to ON.  

Orchidoideae in Canada:

Coeloglossum (or syn. Dactylorhiza) 1 sp. native in most of Canada, inc. the Arctic, but exc. NU, PE?; Dactylorhiza 1 sp. intro in ON, NL (excluding Labrador); Galearis 2 spp. are native in most of Canada, including the Arctic, but excluding PE, NS, and Labrador; Goodyera 4 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic; Platanthera 31 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland); Pseudorchis 1 sp. native to QC, NL (exc. Labrador), and in Greenland; Spiranthes 14 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic;

Vanillioideae in Canada:

Pogonia 1 sp. native to MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL (excluding Labrador).

USA Orchidaceae Genera Include:

Being further south, the USA naturally has a higher diversity of Orchidaceae than Canada, especially in the Epidendroideae subfamily, which is especially abundant in the neotropics.

Cypripedioideae in the USA:

Cypripedium 15 spp. native to all of the USA, including AK but excluding NV, FL.

Epidendroideae in the USA:

Aplectrum monospecific E NAM endemic native to most of E USA from MN S to LA and all E exc. LA, FL, RI, NH; Arundina 1 sp. intro HI; Arethusa monospecific E NAM endemic sp. native to MN, WI, IL, IN, OH, MI, PA, SC, NC, VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME; Bletia 4-8? spp. native to SE USA from AZ E to FL and N to KS E to MD (from POWO, USDA only lists 3 spp. in FL); Bletilla 1 sp. intro KY, FL; Brassia 1 sp. native to FL; Bulbophyllum 1 sp. native FL; Calopogon 5 spp. native to most of E USA from MN S to LA and all states E plus KS, OK, TX; Calypso monospecific N temperate species native to WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, UT, CO, AZ, NM, SD, MN, WI, MI, NY, VT, NH, ME; Campylocentrum 1 sp. native to FL; Corallorrhiza 7 spp. native to all of the USA, including AK; Cymbidium 1 sp. intro HI; Cyrtopodium 2 spp. native and intro FL; Cephalanthera 1 sp. native WA, OR, ID, CA; Encyclia 2 spp. native and intro in HI; Epidendrum 10 spp. native and intro LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, intro HI; Epipactis 3 spp. intro and native most of USA exc ND, NE, KS, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC; Eulophia 1 sp. native FL; Galeandra 1 sp. native FL; Govenia 1 sp. native to S FL; Hagsatera 2 spp., including 1 endemic to SW+C Mexico; Hammarbya monospecific N temperate species native to MN and AK; Isotria 2 spp. native TX, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, KY, TN, IL, IN, OH, MI, WV, VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME; Laelia 1 sp. intro FL; Lepanthopsis 1 sp. native to FL; Liparis 5 spp. are native in most of USA and HI but exclude OR, CA, NV, ID, WY, CO, UT, AZ, NM, TX, LA, MS; Listera (~ Neottia?) 8 spp. native to most of the USA, inc. AK but exc. ND, NE, KS, IA, MO, IL, IN; Macradenia 1 sp. native to FL; Malaxis 11 spp. native to most of the USA, inc. AK, but exc. WA, OR, ID, MT, ND, SD, NE, WY, NV, UT; Maxillaria 2 spp. native to FL; Oncidium 1 sp. native to FL; Polystachya 1 sp. native to FL; Prosthechea 3 spp. native to FL; Restrepiella 1 sp. native to FL; Sotoa monospecific, endangered, endemic to Mexico and SW TX; Spathoglottis 1 sp. intro FL, HI; Tamayorkis 2 spp. native to AZ, NM; Tetramicra 1 sp. native to FL; Tipularia 1 sp. native to TX, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, KY, TN, IL, IN, OH, MI, WV, VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT; Tolumnia 1 sp. native to FL; Trichocentrum 1 sp. native to FL; Triphora 5 spp. native to most of E USA from ND S to TX and all E except ND, SD, MN, RI; Tropidia 1 sp. native to FL; Vanda 1 sp. intro HI.

Orchidoideae in the USA:

Anoectochilus 1 sp. native to HI; Beloglottis 1 sp. native to FL; Cranichis 1 sp. native to FL; Cyclopogon 1 sp. native to FL; Dactylorhiza 2 spp. native to most of the USA, including AK, but excluding OR, ID, CA, NV, KS, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, NC; Deiregyne 1 sp. native to TX; Dichromanthus 1 sp. native to AZ and TX; Eltroplectris 1 sp. native to FL; Galearis 1 sp. native to most of E USA from MN S to LA, exc. LA, FL, and inc. NE, KS, OK; Goodyera 4 spp. native in most of the USA, inc. AK but exc. NV, ND, KS, TX, LA; Ionopsis 1 sp. native FL; Gymnadenia 1 sp. intro CT; Habenaria 5 spp. native to TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, and HI; Mesadenella 1 sp. native to S Mexico and Ver; Mesadenus 1 sp. native to FL; Microchilus 1 sp. native to LA, FL; Microthelys (~Funkiella) 1 sp. native NM; Pelexia 1 sp. native to FL; Platanthera 51 spp. native to all of the USA, including AK and HI; Pleurothallis 1 sp. native to FL; Ponthieva 2 spp. native TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, TN, SC, NC, VA; Prescottia 1 sp. native to FL; Sacoila 1 sp. native to FL; Schiedeella 1 sp. native to AZ, NM, TX; Spiranthes 30 spp. native to all of the USA, including AK; Stenorrhynchos 3 spp. native to AZ, TX, FL (USDA); Zeuxine 1 sp. intro to TX, LA, AL, GA, FL, and HI. 

Vanilloideae in the USA

Cleistes 2 spp. native to TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, KY, TN, WV, VA, MD, DE, and NJ (from USDA; POWO says Neo only); Cleistesiopsis 3 spp. endemic genus of SU USA native to LA E to FL and N to VA, MD, and extinct in DE; Dendrophylax 1 sp. native to FL; Pogonia 1 sp. native to most of E USA from ND S to TX and all E exc SD, NE, KS, IA; Vanilla 7 spp. native and intro FL.        

Mexico Orchidaceae Genera Include:

Mexico has well over 1,000 species of orchids, with rates of endemism at around 40% of all the species found there. Here they are broken into subfamilies.

Cypripedioideae in Mexico:

Cypripedium 4 spp. native throughout C+S Mexico; Mexipedium is monospecific and narrowly endemic to Oax; Phragmipedium 1 sp. native to Chiapas.

Epidendroideae in Mexico:

Acianthera 18-20 spp. native, including ~6 endemics, found in most of Mexico except the NW, also on Socorro Island; Acineta 4 spp., including 2 endemics native to SW+C+SE Mexico and Ver; Alamania monospecific endemic Jal, Mch, Oax, Qro, SLP; Anathallis 5 spp. native to SW+C+SE Mexico and Ver, including 2 endemics; Andreettaea 1 sp. native to SW+SE Mexico and Ver; Arpophyllum 3 spp. native to most regions of Mexico except the NW, including 1 endemic to the country; Artorima monospecific narrow endemic of Gro, Oax; Arundina 1 sp. intro to Mor, Tab, Ver; Barbosella 1 sp. native to S Mexico and Ver; Barkeria 14 spp. of epiphytes and lithophytes found in W Mexico from Sin S through Mex to Chp, including 4 narrow endemics of Nay, Oax (2), and Mch; Bifrenaria 2 spp. native to SW+SE Mexico; Bletia ~40 spp., inc. ~5 endemics in most of Mexico exc. N deserts of Chi, Coa, Dgo, Son, and BCN; Brassavola 2 spp. native to most E Mexico from Tam and SLP SE to Yuc and S to Chp, plus Jal, Nay, and S Son; Brassia 4 spp. native from Gto S to Chp and SE to Cam; Bulbophyllum 3-5 spp. native to S+C Mexico and Ver; Calanthe 1 sp. native to Chp, Hgo, NL, SLP, Tam, Ver; Campylocentrum 8 spp. native to Cam, Jal, Pue, Oax, Tab, Ver; Catasetum 2-5 spp. native throughout Mexico, including 1 endemic; Caularthron 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Chysis 3 spp. native to E Mexico from Qro to Ver and Oax to Chp; Clowesia 4 spp. native to W Mexico from Sin S to Chp and SE to Cam, including 2 endemics; Cochleanthes 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Coelia 5 spp. native at high elevations in SW+C+SE Mexico, Ver; Comparettia 1 sp. native in mtns of S+C Mexico; Corallorhiza 6 spp., found mostly in highlands Nay, NL, Sin, Son, Tam, and SLP S to Chp, most in C Mexico, also in Chi; Coryanthes 1 sp. native to Cam, Chp, Oax, Tab; Corymborkis 1 sp. native to SW+SE Mexico, and Ver; Crossoliparis monospecific endemic to SW+SE Mexico and N Neo; Cryptarrhena 1 sp. native to S Mexico and Ver; Cuitlauzina 5 spp. including 2 rare endemics, found in most of Mexico except the far north and Veracruz; Cycnoches 3? spp. native to S Mexico; Cyrtochiloides 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Cyrtopodium 2 spp. native to much of Mexico except BC, BCS, Chi, Coa, NL, and Son; Dendrophylax 2 spp. native to S Mexico and Ver; Dichaea 7 spp. native to EC Mexico SLP S to Oax, Chp, and also Mex; Dimerandra 1 sp. native to S Mexico; Dinema monospecific, native to Chp, Oax, and Ver; Elleanthus 3 spp. native to E-S Mexico from Ver S to Chp, including 1 rare endemic of Gro?; Encyclia 35 spp., including 3 endemics from Sin, S Son, and Tam, from Nay in W to N Ver in E and widespread all S of that; Epidendrum ~125 spp. native throughout all of Mexico, inc. ~55 endemic spp.; Epipactis 1 sp. native to N and C Mexico; Erycina 4 spp., including 2 endemics SW Mexico from Jal S to Chp, plus Ver; Eulophia 2 spp. native to Dgo, Sin, Oax, Ver, and Chp; Fernandezia 1 sp. endemic to SW Mexico; Galeandra 2 spp. native to Chp, Col; Galeottia 1 sp. native to SW Mexico; Gongora 3 spp. native to most of Mexico except N, NW, including 2 endemics; Govenia 12 spp., including ~5 endemic, mostly tropical Mexico and mtns up to S Son; Guarianthe 2 spp. native throughout most of Mexico and Socorro Island; Hagsatera 1 sp. native to Guatemala; Helleriella 2 spp., including 1 native to Chi and 1 narrow endemic of Gro; Hintonella monospecific endemic of Jal, Mch, and Mor; Hoehneella monospecific narrow endemic of SE Brazil; Homalopetalum 3 spp. native to most regions of Mexico except the N, including 1 endemic; Ionopsis 1 sp. native from Oax to Chps; Jacquiniella ~8 spp. native from Jal E to Ver S to Chp, including 3 endemics; Kefersteinia 1 sp. native to S Mexico; Kegeliella 1 sp. native to SW Mexico and Ver; Lacaena 2 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus of S Mexico; Laelia ~14 spp inc. ~10 endemics are widespread in S Mexico from S Sin E to Tam and all S. plus N Sin and S Son, usually found at high elevations; Lankesteriana 3-5 spp., including 2 endemics to SW+C+SE Mexico; Leochilus 7 spp. native to Jal E to Pue S to Chp, including 3 endemics; Lepanthes 68 spp. native throughout S+C Mexico, including ~39 endemics; Lepanthopsis 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Liparis 4-5 spp. native, including 1 endemic from Sin and Dgo S to Chp E to Pue; Lockhartia 2 spp. native to S Mexico, including 1 endemic to Oax, Chp; Lycaste 15+ spp., including at least 3 endemics native from Tam in E and Mch in W S to Chp; Macradenia 1 sp. native to S Mexico; Macroclinium 2 spp., including 1 endemic of S+SC Mexico, Ver; Malaxis 71 spp., including ~45 endemics widespread throughout Mexico S to Chp exc BC, Chi, Coa, rare Dgo; Masdevallia 3 spp. native to S+SC Mexico, Ver; Maxillaria ~50 spp. throughout Mexico, most in Col. E to SLP and throughout S Mexico, including several endemics; Meiracyllium 2 spp., including 1 endemic Nay, Jal, Col, Oax, Chp; Mormodes ~23 spp. native from Sin S to Chp, including 4 endemics; Myoxanthus 2 spp. native to S Mexico; Myrmecophila 8 spp. native mostly from Nay E to Tam and S to Chp and SE to tip of QR, Yuc, including ~5 endemics; Nemaconia 6 spp., including 2 endemics native to SW+SE+C Mexico and Ver; Nidema 2 spp. native to Cam, Chp, Gro, Hgo, Mex, Oax, Pue, Qro, SLP, Tab, Ver; Nohawilliamsia monospecific endemic of Venezuela, Guayana, and N Brazil; Notylia 7 spp. native from SLP and Jal S to Chp and SE to QR, Yuc, including 1 narrow endemic of Tam; Oestlundia 4 spp. native, including 3 endemics mostly in Jal, Tam, SLP, Hgo, Pue, Ver; Oncidium ~45 spp., including 4+ endemics mostly from Sin through S Mexico; Ornithocephalus 3 spp. native from Ver S to Oax, Chp and SE to QR, Yuc, includes 1 endemic; Phloeophila 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Platystele 3 spp, native to S Mexico, esp. Chp, Pue, Ver; Plectrophora 1 sp. native (rare and endangered but not endemic) in SE Mexico; Pleurothallis ~55 spp. native to most of Mexico, including several endemics; Polystachya 3 spp. native to NE, SW+SE Mexico, Ver; Ponera 2 spp. native to most of Mexico exc. NW; Prosthechea 47 spp. native, including at least 4 endemics, found throughout most of Mexico but mostly the S half; Psilochilus 1 sp. native mostly in Oax, Ver; Restrepia 2 spp. mostly native to Chp; Restrepiella 1 sp. native mostly in Chp, Oax, Ver, Tab; Rhyncholaelia 2 spp. native to Cam, Chp, QR, Ver, Yuc; Rhynchostele ~15 spp. including 7 endemics S Son and W Dgo mtns and Tam S to Chp plus Yuc; Rodriguezia 1 sp. native to Jal, Nay; Rossioglossum 5 spp. native to S+C Mexico, including 1 endemic; Scaphosepalum 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Scaphyglottis 15+ spp. native to W+C+SE Mexico, Ver, including 3+ endemics; Sobralia 15+ spp. native, including 2+ endemics from Mex S to Chp, plus Nay, Tab; Sotoa monospecific endangered endemic of S Coa, NL, Oax, SLP, Tam, Zac and SW TX USA; Specklinia 15 spp. native to E Mexico SLP S to Chp, Cam, and SW Mexico, including at least 1 endemic; Stanhopea 13 spp. native to most of Mexico, especially Tam and Nay S to Chp, includes 5 endemics; Stelis ~64 spp. with ~20 endemics found throughout Mexico; Tamayorkis 4 spp., including 2 endemic in most of Mexico except Ver; Telipogon 3 spp. all? endemic to S Mexico; Trichocentrum 29 spp., including ~10 endemic, found throughout Mexico; Trichopilia 3 spp. native to S Mexico, Ver; Trichosalpinx 4-5 spp. native, including 1 endemic, throughout Mexico; Triphora 7 spp. native to all of Mexico, inc. 1 endemic; Tropidia 1 sp. native to much of Mexico except the NW and C; Warrea 1 sp. native to SE Mexico; Wullschlaegelia 1 sp. native to S Mexico and Ver; Xylobium 2 spp. native to S Mexico.

Orchidoideae of Mexico

Aulosepalum 5 spp. endemic from Jal E to Tam and S to Chp; Beloglottis 2-3 spp. native to Tam, SLP, Ver, Chp, SW+C Mexico; Brachystele ~ 7spp., including 4-5 endemics, 3 narrow endemics of Jal, distributed throughout the W coast of Mexico; Baskervilla 11 spp. neoendemic genera of Nicaragua S to Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, S+SE Brazil; Coccineorchis 8 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Cranichis 6 spp. native inc. 1 endemic Chp, Jal, Mex, SLP, Tam; Cyclopogon 4 spp. native to Jal E to Tam and S to Chp; Deiregyne 25 spp. endemic from S TX through most of Mexico to Guatemala and Honduras, but most are endemic to Mexico; Dichromanthus 4 spp., inc. 2 endemics in most of Mexico exc. BC, Cam, Coa, QR, Yuc; Domingoa 1 sp. native native to Chp, Mch, Ver; Dracula 2 spp. native to S Mexico; Dryadella 2 spp. neoendemics found in S+C Mexico; Funkiella 2 spp. native to S Coa, Jal, Mex, Mch, Oax, Tlx; Galeoglossum 3 spp. in S+C Mexico, including 2 endemic to Chp, Oax; Galeottiella 3 spp. in S+C Mexico, including 2 endemics; Goodyera 12 spp. native throughout Mexico, including 1 rare endemic; Habenaria 80+ spp., most terrestrial, often in swampy areas throughout C, S and SE Mexico, plus BCS and mtns of Chi, Son, Sin, Dgo, includes 50+ spp. endemic to Mexico; Kionophyton 3 spp., including 2 endemic to S+C Mexico, with 1 of genus extending into Guatemala; Lyroglossa 1 rare sp. native to Ver (and Belize); Mesadenella 10 spp. native to CAM (exc. Panama) and tropical SAM S tro Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay and Suriname); Mesadenus 5 spp., including 2 endemic found throughout Mexico; Microchilus 5 spp., including 1-2 endemics native to most of Mexico except the NW and N; Microepidendrum monospecific endemic of Jal, Oax; Pelexia ~8 spp. native to much of Mexico except the NW, includes 2-3 endemics; Physogyne 3 spp. endemic genus of C+SW Mexico; Platanthera 6 spp. native, including 1 endemic, throughout N + C Mexico S to Oax; Ponthieva 11 spp. in all of Mexico but mostly from Tam and Zac S to Chp, includes 2-3 endemics; Prescottia 3 spp. native to most regions of Mexico (exc. NW), including 1 endemic; Pseudogoodyera monospecific endemic of NW Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Cuba; Pteroglossa 1 sp. native Chp; Sacoila 2 spp. native throughout all of Mexico except BC, Chi, Coa, and Dgo; Sarcoglottis 12+ spp., inc. 1 endemic throughout Mexico; Schiedeella 15+ spp., including several endemics, found throughout Mexico; Spiranthes ~5 spp. in most of Mexico except the NW; Stenorrhynchos ~4 spp. native to S+C Mexico, Ver; Stenotyla 1 sp. native to SW+SE Mexico; Svenkoeltzia 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of SW+C Mexico.

Vanilloideae of Mexico:

Eurystyles 2 spp. native to S Mexico; Isochilus ~9 spp. native to most of Mexico except the N, including 2 endemics; Vanilla 12+ spp. native to S+C Mexico, including the native V. planifolia widely cultivated around the tropics.

Neotropical Orchidaceae Genera Include:

There are about 10,000+ species of orchids that are endemic to the neotropics, so this list may change again as new species are discovered and new studies clarify their relationships, resulting in the lumping or splitting of species. However, this list is as up-to-date as I could make it as of June 2026.

Cypripedioideae in the Neotropics:

Cypripedium irapeanum is the southernmost species of its genus, found S to Honduras; Phragmipedium 18 spp. neoendemic genera from S Mexico S to Bolivia and Brazil but excluding El Salvador and Belize; Selenipedium 10 spp. native mostly to the Amazon region of SAM from Panama S. to Ecuador, Colombia, and N+C+NE Brazil.

Epidendroideae in the Neotropics A-E:

Acampe 1 sp. intro to Cuba; Acianthera ~300 spp. neotropical endemics found throughout CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina; Acineta 12 spp. mostly neoendemics native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, N Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru; Acrorchis monospecific endemic of Costa Rica and Panama; Ada monospecific endemic (not fully placed in this subfamily) of Peru; Adamantinia monospecific narrow endemic species of E Brazil; Aetheorhyncha monospecific narrow endemic genus of Ecuador; Aganisia 3 spp. neoendemic genus of tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, C+NE Brazil, plus Trinidad-Tobago, and excluding Ecuador; Anathallis 115 spp. neoendemic (and some Mexican) genera of CAM, tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay), plus Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad-Tobago; Andinia 80 spp. neoendemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Andreettaea 60 largely neoendemic spp. native to CAM, the Greater Antilles, Leeward & Windward Is., and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N&SE Brazil; Anguloa 9 spp. NW SAM endemic genera of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Archivea monospecific narrow endemic of Brazil; Arpophyllum 2 spp. Mexico + N neoendemic genera of CAM (except Panama), plus Colombia, Venezuela, and Jamaica; Arundina 1 sp. intro to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Panama, Puerto Rico; Aspasia 7 spp. neoendemic genus of epiphytes from Guatemala S through tropical SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Barbosella 19 spp. neoendemic genus native to Guatemala and Nicaragua S to Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil (except C), Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NE Argentina; Barkeria 15 spp. native, including multiple endemics mostly from Guatemala S to Costa Rica (exc. Belize) with 1 sp. S to Panama; Batemannia 3 spp. N SAM endemic genus S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Benzingia 11 spp. N neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Bifrenaria 52 spp. neoendemic genera of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Costa Rica S through tropical Sam to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Trinidad-Tobago; Bletia ~45-50 spp. native throughout the Caribbean, Antilles, CAM, and tropical SAM S to Peru, NW Argentina, Paraguay, and S Brazil, but excluding Suriname; Brachionidium 83 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Nicaragua S to Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, peru, Bolivia, N+SE Brazil, and the Greater Antilles and Windward Is.; Braemia monospecific endemic of N SAM SA to Peru and N Brazil; Brassavola 19 spp. of showy fragrant epiphytes native to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles, CAM, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and NE Argentina, excluding Ecuador and Uruguay, and including 1 critically endangered in Cayman Islands; Brassia 70 spp. of mostly epiphytes of wet low elevation rainforests native to CAM, the Greater Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Broughtonia 7 spp. Caribbean endemic genus in Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas; Bulbophyllum 70-100 spp. native throughout CAM, the Caribbean, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina, and S Brazil, with many endemic to Brazil; Brachystele ~12 spp. native to Colombia, Suriname, Peru, C Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and S+SE Brazil; Calanthe ~2 spp. of this mostly Asian genus are native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic and introduced to Puerto Rico; Calopogon mostly NAM genus with 1 sp. extending S to Cuba and the Bahamas; Caluera 5 spp. SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, N. Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia; Campylocentrum 78 spp. native to CAM, Antilles, Caribbean, and tropical SAM S to N Argentina (exc. Chile); Capanemia 8 spp. SAM endemic genus of E+S Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, N Argentina, and Uruguay; Catasetum 205 spp. of showy epiphytes endemic to the West Indies, CAM, SAM to S Argentina, many endemic to Brazil; Cattleya 136 neoendemic spp. native to Costa Rica, S to Argentina and Brazil (exc. Chile); Caucaea 19 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Caularthron 4 spp. endemic to SE Mexico, CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Guayana, French Guiana, N Brazil, Ecuador, Trinidad-Tobago, and the Windward Is.; Chamelophyton monospecific endemic of Venezuela, French Guiana, and Suriname; Chaubardia 3 spp. N SAM endemic genus S to Peru, Bolivia, and C+SE Brazil; Chaubardiella 8 spp. N neoendemic genus from Costa Rica south to Colombia, E to French Guiana, plus Ecuador and Peru; Cheiradenia monospecific N SAM endemic species of Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad-Tobago; Chondrorhyncha 5 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Ecuador E to Venezuela, most in highland rainforests; Chondroscaphe 15 spp. neoendemic genera from Costa Rica S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru; Chysis 13 spp. neoendemic genera from S Mexico S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and C Brazil; Chytroglossa 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of SE Brazil; Cirrhaea 7 spp. narrow endemic genus of epiphytes in E + S Brazil; Cischweinfia 13 spp. neoendemic genus from Costa Rica S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Clowesia 6 spp. Mexico & neoendemic spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, N Brazil, and Ecuador; Cochleanthes 4 spp. native epiphytes of Guatemala S to Colombia (exc. El Salvador), Ecuador, Venezuela, N+S+SE Brazil, most of the Greater Antilles; Coelia 5 spp. Mexico and CAM endemic genus native to Guatemala S to Panama, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico; Coeliopsis monospecific endemic of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panamá; Comparettia 89 spp. neoendemic genus of CAM, the Greater Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, excluding Guyana and Suriname, but mostly in the Andes; Constantia 6 spp. narrow endemic genus of S+SE Brazil; Corallorhiza 1 mostly northern sp. found S into highlands of Nicaragua; Coryanthes 71 spp. of mostly neoendemic epiphytes in lowland tropical forests from S Mexico S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, and also in Trinidad; Corymborkis 5 spp. native to CAM, Antilles, Colombia, Guyana (1 endemic), Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, NE Argentina, S & SE Brazil; Crossoglossa 51 spp. neoendemic genera from Nicaragua S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Crossoliparis monospecific endemic of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela & S Mexico; Cryptarrhena 3 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico S through N SAM to Peru, Boliva, and Brazil, also in Jamaica and Trinidad-Tobago; Cuitlauzina 6 spp., many threatened endemics, native from Guatemala S to Colombia, excluding Belize; Cyanaeorchis 3 spp. E SAM endemics of C+SE+S Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Cycnoches 33 spp. neoendemic epiphytes in hot humid lowlands from S Mexico S through CAM and tropical SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and SE Brazil (exc. NE Brazil); Cypholoron 2 spp. with 1 each endemic to Ecuador and Venezuela; Cyrtopodium 48 spp. endemic epiphyte and terrestrial from S USA S to Argentina; Cyrtochiloides 3 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador (1 endemic), and Peru; Cyrtochilum 214 spp. N neoendemic genera of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Leeward Is., Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela; Cyrtopodium 51 spp. endemic from S USA S to Peru and N Argentina, plus the Greater Antilles; Daiotyla 5 spp. narrow endemic genus from Costa Rica S to Colombia; Dendrobium 1 sp. intro to Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Leeward Is., and Trinidad-Tobago; Dendrophylax 16 spp. epiphytes endemic to the Greater Antilles, Guatemala, and El Salvador, some critically endangered; Dichaea 120+ spp. Mexico & neoendemic native to CAM, Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Dilomilis 5 spp endemic to the Greater Antilles; Dimerandra 7 spp. neoendemic from S Mexico S to Peru, N+E Brazil, and Jamaica; Dinema monospecific endemic to S Mexico S to Nicaragua, Panama, Jamaica; Diodonopsis 6 spp. neoendemic genus Costa Rica to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Discyphus monospecific endemic of Panama, Venezuela, and NE Brazil; Dunstervillea 11 spp. neoendemic genus of Panama S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil, excluding Suriname; Degranvillea monospecific endemic of French Guiana, Suriname; Echinorhyncha 5 spp. endemic to Colombia and Ecuador; Echinosepala 17 spp. neoendemics of Belize, Nicaragua S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil, also Jamaica; Elleanthus 157 spp. mostly neoendemics of CAM, Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, N+E+S Brazil; Embreea 2 spp. endemic to Colombia and Ecuador; Encyclia 172 spp. epiphytes or lithophytes, most CAM and West Indies 0-1000 m, also Mexico, SAM S to Paraguay; Epidendrum 1800+ mostly neoendemic spp. native to CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Eriopsis 4 spp. neoendemic of CAM (exc. El Salvador and Nicaragua), tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Erycina 5 spp. native to CAM and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Eulophia 1 sp. native to CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, tropical SAM S to Peru, N Argentina; Euryblema 2 spp. endemic to Panama and Colombia.

Epidendroideae in the Neotropics F-M:

Fernandezia 88 spp. neoendemic to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Frondaria 3 spp. W SAM endemic to Colombia S to Bolivia; Galeandra 41 spp. neoendemic from FL and S Mexico S through the Greater Antilles, CAM, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina, mostly in the Amazon Basin; Galeottia 12 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, and Brazil; Gomesa 129 spp. SAM endemic epiphyte or lithophyte, mostly in Brazil, but also Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Gongora 79 spp. Mexico & neoendemic from Guatemala S through to Peru, Bolivia, N+E+S Brazil, high diversity in Colombia; Govenia ~24 spp. native and endemic to CAM (exc. Belize), the Greater Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, NW Argentina, Paraguay, and S Brazil (exc. NE Brazil); Grobya 5 spp. endemic genus of E+S Brazil; Guarianthe 3 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, and intro Ecuador; Hofmeisterella 2 spp. NW SAM endemic genera from Venezuela W to Peru, also in Bolivia; Homalopetalum 9 spp. neoendemics of the West Indies, CAM, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, S+SE Brazil; Horichia monospecific endemic of Panama; Huntleya 17 spp. neoendemic genus of epiphytes of wet cloud forests from Guatemala S to Peru, Bolivia, and N+E+S Brazil, excluding El Salvador, Suriname, and French Guiana; Ionopsis 6 spp. endemic to lowland tropics from Florida, West Indies, Mexico, and S to Paraguay; Isabelia 3 spp. endemic epiphytes of NE Brazil S to N Argentina exc. Uruguay; Ixyophora 8 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Jacquiniella ~9 spp. Mexico + neoendemics native to CAM, the Greater Antilles, and N SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Kefersteinia 65 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Suriname, and French Guiana, mostly epiphytes of the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador; Kegeliella 3 spp. neoendemic genus (1 extends into S Mexico) from Guatemala S to Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, and N Brazil, excluding Honduras, and also in Trinidad-Tobago; Lacaena 2 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus of CAM and Colombia; Lankesteriana 20 spp. Mexico and neoendemic genera native to Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and Costa Rica S through tropical SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Leochilus 9 spp. neoendemics from S Mexico S through CAM to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and N+NE Brazil; Lepanthes ~1190 spp. neoendemics of the Antilles, CAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N+NE Brazil; Lepanthopsis 50 spp. neoendemics mostly in the Andes and Caribbean, also CAM and SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil (exc. Suriname); Leptotes 10 spp. SAM endemic genus of E+S Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Liparis ~35 spp. of this cosmopolitan genus are found throughout the neotropical region, excluding N+C Chile and Uruguay; Lockhartia 32 spp. neoendemic from S Mexico through CAM and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Loefgrenianthus monospecific narrow endemic of S+SE Brazil; Lueckelia monospecific endemic of Peru, N+SE Brazil, and Bolivia; Lueddemannia 3 spp. NW SAM endemic of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Lycaste ~39 spp. neoendemics of CAM and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N+C Brazil (exc. the E); Lycomormium 5 spp. W SAM endemics of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Macradenia 13 spp. largely neoendemic but from S Florida and S Mexico, S through CAM (exc. El Salvador) to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and S Brazil; Macroclinium 48 spp. neoendemics from S Mexico S through CAM and tropical SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Madisonia 10 spp. neoendemic genus of Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N+E Brazil; Malaxis ~70 spp. native to CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Argentina; Masdevallia 656 spp. neoendemic genera from S. Mexico S through CAM to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, most at high altitudes in the Andes (2500-4000 m); Maxillaria ~650 spp. mostly neoendemic epiphytes found from FL and Mexico S through CAM and SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Meiracyllium 1 sp. native to Guatemala; Miltonia 12 spp. E SAM endemics of Brazil (exc. N), Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Miltoniopsis 5 spp. neoendemic genus of wet cloud forests of CAM, Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, NW Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia; Monophyllorchis 6 spp., a N neoendemic genus from Nicaragua S to Colombia and Ecuador; Mormodes ~83 spp. mostly neoendemic genus of CAM and tropical SAM lowland rainforests S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Myoxanthus 56 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico S through CAM and SAM to Peru, Bolivia, N+E+S Brazil (excluding French Guiana); Myrmecophila ~ 5 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, and Venezuela and intro to Cuba and extinct in Aruba.

Epidendroideae in the Neotropics N-Q:

Nemaconia 4 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, S+SE Brazil; Neocogniauxia 2 spp. narrow island endemics of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica; Neogardneria monospecific endemic of SE Brazil; Neomoorea monospecific endemic of Panama and Colombia; Nidema 2 spp. native to CAM, the Greater Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Notylia 55 spp., neoendemics of CAM, Trinidad-Tobago, and SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, generally found from 0-900m; Notyliopsis monospecific narrow endemic of Colombia; Nothostele 2 spp. narrow endemics of C+SE Brazil; Octomeria 171 spp. neoendemic genus of Honduras S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina, and Brazil, plus Cuba and Belize; Oestlundia 1 sp. native Guatemala S to Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru (exc. Panama); Oliveriana 15 spp. N+W SAM endemics of Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Oncidium 335 spp. neoendemics of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, CAM, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Ophidion 17 neoendemic spp. of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia; Orleanesia 6 spp. tropical SAM endemic genera S to Bolivia, C+NE Brazil; Ornithocephalus ~55 spp. neoendemics from S Mexico S through CAM (exc. El Salvador), Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Islands, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Otoglossum 27 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, N Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Otostylis 2 spp. SAM endemic genus native to Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Peru, N+C Brazil; Pabstia 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of S+SE Brazil; Pabstiella 29 spp. neoendemic genus from Costa Rica S through to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Palmorchis 38 spp. neoendemic genus from Nicaragua S to Peru and N Brazil; Paphinia 16 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Papilionanthe 1 sp. intro to Cuba; Paradisanthus monospecific endemic of E+S Brazil; Peristeria 13 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Costa Rica S to Peru, Bolivia, N+NE Brazil; Pescatoria 21 spp. neoendemic genus from Costa Rica S to Peru and N Brazil; Phalaenopsis 1 sp. intro to Panama; Phloeophila 6 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia, and SE Brazil; Phymatidium 9 spp. E SAM endemic genus of E+S Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Platyrhiza monospecific endemic of S+SE Brazil; Platystele 124 spp. neoendemic genus from S+C Mexico S through CAM, Cuba, and SAM to Bolivia and N+SE Brazil; Plectrophora 10 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico and Guatemala, Costa Rica S to Peru, Bolivia, and C Brazil; Pleurothallis ~590+ spp. mostly neoendemic epiphytes found throughout CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil (exc. C Brazil); Pleurothallopsis 21 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Nicaragua S to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, and E Brazil; Pogoniopsis 2 spp. endemic genus of E+S Brazil; Polycycnis 15 spp. neoendemic genus of Honduras, Costa Rica S to Colombia, Venezuela E to French Guiana, plus NE Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Polyotidium monospecific endemic to Colombia, Venezuela, and N Brazil; Polystachya ~15 spp. native to CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia, N Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Ponera 2 spp. native to Guatemala and El Salvador (also in Mexico); Porroglossum 59 spp. N+W SAM endemic to the Andes, mostly from Venezuela W to Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Promenaea is monospecific and endemic to E+S Brazil; Prosthechea ~128 spp. Mexico and neoendemics are found throughout CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil; Pseudolaelia 14 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Psilochilus 19 spp. neoendemics from S Mexico through CAM, the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, and N+E+S Brazil; Psychilis 15 spp. mostly single island endemic genus of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico; Psychopsis 4 spp. neoendemic genus Costa Rica S to Peru, Bolivia, N Brazil, excluding Guyana and including Trinidad-Tobago; Pterostemma 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of Colombia and Ecuador; Pygmaeorchis 2 spp. narrow endemics of SE Brazil; Quekettia 7 spp. N SAM endemic genus S to Peru, Bolivia, N+NE Brazil; Quisqueya 4 spp. single-island endemic genus of Hispaniola.

Epidendroideae in the Neotropics R-Z:

Rauhiella 3 spp. narrow endemic genus of E Brazil; Restrepia 69 S Mexico and neoendemic spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, mostly in the Andes; Restrepiella 3 spp. mostly neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and SE Brazil; Rhyncholaelia 2 spp. Mexico and CAM endemic native to Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras; Rhynchostele ~10 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize) and Venezuela; Rodriguezia 46 spp. neoendemic (and 1 in S Mexico) of the Windward Islands, Nicaragua S to Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay) with many endemic to Brazil; Rossioglossum 12 spp. Mexico & N neoendemic genus of CAM (exc. Belize), Trinidad-Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru; Sanderella 2 spp. SAM endemic genus of Brazil (exc. N), Bolivia, and N Argentina; Scaphosepalum 60 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guayana, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Scaphyglottis ~75 spp. neoendemics from S Mexico S through CAM and tropical SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, plus Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico; Schlimia 6 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Schunkea monospecific narrow endemic of SE Brazil; Seegeriella 3 spp. W SAM endemics of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Sobralia ~190 spp. mostly terrestrial neoendemics from CAM and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil; Solenidium 3 spp. N SAM endemic genus S to Peru, Bolivia, C & NE Brazil (exc. Suriname); Soterosanthus monospecific endemic of Colombia and Ecuador; Spathoglottis 1? sp. intro to the Greater and Lesser Antilles; Specklinia 117 spp. Mexico & neoendemic genus of CAM, the Greater Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (exc. C), and NE Argentina; Stanhopea ~73 spp. neoendemics from Mexico S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil (exc. C); Stelis ~1322 spp. Mexico & neoendemics of CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia and Brazil; Stenia 22 spp. N SAM endemic of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, N+NE Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Suarezia monospecific endemic of Ecuador; Sudamerlycaste (or syn. Ida) 45 spp. neoendemic genus of the Greater Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and SE Brazil; Sutrina 2 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Peru and Bolivia; Systeloglossum 5 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica S to Ecuador and Peru: Tamayorkis 1 sp. native to Guatemala; Teagueia 18 spp. W SAM endemic genera of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Telipogon ~255 spp. neoendemic genera of Guatemala, Hispaniola, Nicaragua S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Venezuela; Tetramicra 10 spp. mostly endemic to the Greater and Lesser Antilles and the Bahamas, also in FL and French Guiana; Thysanoglossa 3 spp. narrow endemic genera of SE Brazil; Tolumnia 30 spp. Caribbean endemic genus of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, Bahamas, and FL; Tomzanonia monospecific narrow endemic of Haiti; Trevoria 5 spp. neoendemic genera of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia; Trichocentrum ~93 spp. mostly neoendemic epiphytes from Mexico and Florida S through CAM, much of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia and N Argentina; Trichoceros 10 spp. W SAM endemic genera from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Trichopilia 47 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico S through CAM and SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, also in most of the Greater Antilles and Trinidad-Tobago; Trichosalpinx 38 spp. neo & Mex-endemic native to CAM, Cuba, and SAM S to Bolivia, N+NE Brazil; Triphora ~18 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to N Argentina exc. Chile, Peru, and Uruguay; Trisetella 29 spp. neoendemics from Costa Rica S to Bolivia and N Brazil, excluding Suriname; Trizeuxis monospecific neoendemic from Costa Rica S to Bolivia and Brazil, excluding Suriname and French Guiana; Tropidia 1 sp. of an otherwise Asian genus native to CAM (exc. Belize, El Salvador, and Panama), the Greater Antilles, Galapagos, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and C Brazil; Uleiorchis 4 spp. neoendemic genera of Honduras Costa Rica S to Peru and N Brazil (exc. Ecuador), plus S+SE Brazil; Vasqueziella monospecific endemic of Bolivia and Peru; Vitekorchis 4 spp. NW SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Warczewiczella 11 spp. neoendemic genus of Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and tropical SAM S to Bolivia, N+E+S Brazil; Warmingia 4 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, NE Argentina, E+S Brazil; Warrea 4 spp. neoendemic genus from S Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, SE+S Brazil, and NE Argentina; Warreella 2 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Venezuela; Warreopsis monospecific neoendemic from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador; Wullschlaegelia 2 spp. neoendemic from S Mexico S through Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica S through SAM to Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Xerorchis 2 spp. N SAM endemic genus of Colombia S to Peru, Bolivia, E to N+C Brazil; Xylobium 18 spp. neoendemic from S Mexico S to Bolivia and Brazil, also in the Greater Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago, and the Windward Is.; Zelenkoa monospecific endemic of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Zootrophion 40 spp. neoendemic genus of Nicaragua S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, S+SE Brazil, and the Greater Antilles; Zygopetalum 6 spp. SAM endemic genus of E+S Brazil, also Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and NE Argentina; Zygosepalum 3 spp. N SAM endemic genus S to peru, C+NE Brazil; Zygostates 32 spp. tropical SAM endemic genus S to Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. N+C Brazil, Uruguay).

Orchidoideae in the Neotropics:

Aa 26 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, N Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N Argentina; Altensteinia 8 spp. W SAM endemic of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Aracamunia monospecific narrow endemic of S Venezuela; Aulosepalum 5-7 spp. native from S Mexico S to Costa Rica, excluding Belize; Beloglottis 7 spp. native to the Dominican Republic, Trinidad-Tobago, Cayman Islands (1 critically endangered sp.), CAM, Colombia, Venezuela E to French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, C Brazil, and NW Argentina; Bipinnula 10 SAM endemic spp. native to Chile, NE Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil; Buchtienia 4 spp. SAM endemic genus of Ecuador, Peru, N+C+SE Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay; Chloraea 54 spp. SAM endemic genus to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, C+S Chile, Uruguay, and S Brazil; Coccineorchis 8 spp. Mexico and neoendemic genus of CAM, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Codonorchis 2 spp. endemic SAM, 1 in S Brazil other in Patagonia region; Cotylolabium monospecific narrow endemic of SE Brazil; Cranichis 92 spp. endemic from FL, USA and Mexico, S through CAM, West Indies, N and NW SAM S to Bolivia, plus Atlantic SC Brazil; Cyclopogon 107 spp. endemic from FL and Mexico S through CAM, West Indies, and SAM S to Bolivia and N Argentina and the Galapagos, includes 2 spp. critical endangered in the Cayman Islands; Cybebus monospecific endemic of Colombia and Ecuador; Deiregyne 1-2 spp. native to Guatemala and Honduras, most are endemic to Mexico; Dichromanthus 1-2 spp. mostly Mexican genus native to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras; Domingoa 4 spp. endemic S Mexico S to Nicaragua (exc. Belize), Cuba, and Dominican Republic; Draconanthes 10 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Dracula 147 spp. endemic to the moist forests from S Mexico to Peru (Exc. El Salvador and Belize), with many in Colombia and Ecuador lowlands; Dresslerella 14 spp. neoendemic from Guatemala S to Ecuador and Peru (exc. El Salvador); Dressleria 13 spp. neoendemic from Nicaragua S to Ecuador and Peru; Dryadella 54 spp. neoendemic from S Mexico S to Bolivia, Paraguay, and S Brazil but excluding Guyana to French Guiana; Eltroplectris 16 spp. endemic to S FL, S through the West Indies, and tropical SAM to Peru and Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Espinhassoa 2 spp. narrow endemics of SE Brazil; Fuertesiella monospecific endemic of Cuba and the Dominican Republic; Funkiella 16 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize and Panama), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Venezuela; Galeoglossum 1 sp. native to Guatemala; Galeottiella 1 sp. native to Guatemala; Gavilea 17 spp. endemic to C+S Chile, NE+S Argentina including Patagonia region; Gomphichis 34 spp. neoendemic genus from Costa Rica S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Guyana; Goodyera ~15 spp. native to CAM and Hispaniola, including 2 endemics in Costa Rica (1) and Guatemala (1); Habenaria 200+ spp. native to the entire neotropic region; Hapalorchis 13 spp. neoendemic genus of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Greater Antilles, Colombia E to French Guiana, plus E+S Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Helenoma 4 spp. N SAM endemic to Colombia, E to Suriname, N Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru; Hemipilia 4 spp. N SAM endemic S to Peru and N Brazil, excluding French Guiana; Kionophyton 1 sp., mostly a Mexican genus extending into Guatemala; Laelia ~14 spp. of a Mexican & neoendemic genus found throughout CAM and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, also in Cuba, Jamaica, and Trinidad-Tobago; Lankesterella 11 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, NE Argentina, E+S Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela; Lyroglossa 2 spp. neoendemics of Belize, Colombia, Venezuela, Guayana E to French Guiana, plus C+SE+S Brazil, and Paraguay; Mesadenus 3 spp. native to Guatemala and Belize, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles; Microchilus ~260 spp. neoendemic from Mexico S to Peru, Bolivia, and NE Argentina (excluding Uruguay), also in the Bahamas, Galapagos, and the Greater and Lesser Antilles; Myrosmodes 14 spp. W SAM endemic to Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Odontorrhynchus 5 spp. SAM endemic genus of Peru, Bolivia, N Argentina, and C+S Chile; Pelexia ~90 spp. mostly neoendemic genus of CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina; Platanthera 2 spp. native to Cuba, Costa Rica; Ponthieva ~72 spp. mostly neoendemics native throughout CAM (exc. Belize), the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guayana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and NW Argentina; Porphyrostachys 2 spp. W SAM endemic genus of Ecuador and Peru; Prescottia 24 spp. from FL and Mexico S through CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina; Pseudocentrum 17 spp. neoendemic genus of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Costa Rica S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Pseudogoodyera monospecific endemic of NW Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Cuba; Pterichis 45 spp. neoendemic genus of Jamaica, Costa Rica S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Pteroglossa 14 spp. neoendemic genus from Chiapas Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, C+E+S Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and N Argentina; Quechua monospecific endemic genus of Peru; Sacoila 9 spp. mostly neoendemic genera from FL and Mexico S through CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Argentina; Sarcoglottis 57 spp. Mex and neoendemic genera of CAM and tropical SAM S to Bolivia and N Argentina, also in Trinidad-Tobago and Windward Is.; Sauroglossum 11 spp. SAM endemic genus of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil; Schiedeella ~10 spp. native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic; Sertifera 11 spp. NW SAM endemics of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Skeptrostachys 10 spp. SAM endemics of Suriname, Brazil (exc. N), Paraguay, N Argentina, and Uruguay; Solenocentrum 4 spp. neoendemic genus of Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia; Spiranthes 4 spp. found S into CAM S to Costa Rica (exc. El Salvador), and the Greater Antilles; Sievekingia 14 spp. neoendemic genera Nicaragua S to Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Ecuador, peru, and Bolivia; Stenoptera 6 spp. SAM endemic of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Stenorrhynchos 7 spp. neoendemic genera from S Mexico S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru, also in most of the Greater Antilles; Stenotyla 9 spp. neoendemic genera from S Mexico S to Panama, excluding Belize; Thelyschista monospecific endemic of NE Brazil; Zeuxine 1 sp. intro into SE Brazil, NW Argentina, Cuba, and Jamaica.

Vanilloideae in the Neotropics:

Cleistes 59 spp. neoendemic genus from Costa Rica S through SAM to Peru, Bolivia, and NE Argentina, exc. Uruguay; Duckeella 8 spp. N SAM endemic of Colombia, Venezuela, and N Brazil, doubtful in Guyana; Epistephium 28 spp. neoendemic genus of Belize, Costa Rica, tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Eurystyles 23 spp. endemic genus from Guatemala S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (exc. N), NE Argentina, and Paraguay; Isochilus ~10 spp. native to CAM, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and SAM S to Peru and N Argentina (exc. N Brazil and Uruguay); Vanilla ~60 spp. native to CAM, the Antilles and Bahamas, tropical SAM S to Bolivia and NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay), including 20+ endemic to Brazil, and V. planifolia native to Belize and Mexico.  

Patagonia Orchidaceae Genera Include:

Only the Orchidoideae subfamily is represented in the Patagonia region:

Orchidoideae Subfamily in Patagonia:

Bipinnula 1 sp. native to Bio Bio, Los Rios, Chile; Brachystele 1-2 spp. native to C+S Chile and S Argentina; Chloraea ~ 15 spp. native throughout the region S to Tierra Del Fuego, S Magallanes, and Falkland Islands; Codonorchis 1 sp. native throughout the region, including Tierra del Fuego, S. Magallanes, and Falkland Islands; Gavilea 11 spp. native throughout Patagonia inc. Tierra del Fuego, S Magallanes, and Falkland Islands; Habenaria 1 sp. Neuquén, Argentina and Bio Bio S to Los Lagos, Chile; Odontorrhynchus 1-2 spp. native to temperate Chile.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current
  • Zhang, H., Tang, M., Wang, Y., Pan, R., & Deng, H. (2026). Patterns of Orchid Diversity and Their Potential Habitat Under Climate Change in Chongqing, China. Biology15(4), 351. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15040351.

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to some of the families. Donate to support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Iridaceae or Iris Family

Iris cristata showing the unique flower and flat, sword-like leaves so common in the Iridaceae or Iris family!
Iris cristata showing the unique flower and flat, sword-like leaves so common in the Iridaceae family.
Page Last Updated May 30, 2026.

Introduction to the Iridaceae Family

Welcome to the Iridaceae, aka the Iris family! This popular family is native across the globe, from sun-drenched South African hillsides to soggy North American wetlands. This family is easy to recognize by their sword-shaped leaves that often overlap in a fan-shaped arrangement and their unique colorful three-part flowers (6 tepals, 3 styles, 3 stamens) that usually have showy, often yellow nectar guides.

I am a big ‘fan’ of this family (sorry, botany nerd alert!) because it’s so beautiful and so diverse, and I never understood why people grow invasive irises in their gardens when we have so many gorgeous native ones to choose from! (But never harvest from the wild, please!). And since I remember my mom also being a fan of irises, I am dedicating this page to her memory.

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Iridaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section are morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Iridaceae: The Iridaceae are mostly perennial herbs from rhizomes or corms, often growing near or partially submerged in water, but drought-tolerant species are also known. Leaves are simple, grass-like or swordlike, with parallel veins, and often borne edgewise to the stem and appearing fan-shaped.

Flowers of the Iridaceae: The plants are hermaphrodites, with male (stamens) and female (ovary, stigma, style) parts in the same flowers. Flowers are small to large, made of six petal-like tepals that are joined and appear in two whorls, with the inner whorl often smaller and sometimes standing upright, a distinguishing feature in the family. The flower/inflorescence has a leafy sheath around it that they emerge from as they bloom.

Reproductive Features of the Iridaceae: There are usually 3 stamens, free or joined in a tube, appearing in one whorl opposite the outer tepals. They almost always have an inferior ovary attached beneath the point where the tepals attach, and they may have 1, 3, or 6 terminal styles, depending on whether these are interpreted as lobes or separate styles, but they usually ‘appear’ to have 3.

Fruits of the Iridaceae: Fruits are dry capsules that split open at maturity and usually contain 3 chambers with 2 rows of large seeds in each.

Uses of Iridaceae 

The Iridaceae are widely grown as ornamental plants, including the common blue flag, the yellow flag, and the lovely Dietes species, all of which can become invasive in some areas. Many species of Iridaceae are, however, narrow endemics, with small populations and/or few occurrences, making them highly vulnerable to extirpation and extinction. This is one of the many reasons we should never remove plants from the wild.

Crocus sativus is the most prized member of the family, a delicate flower grown for the world’s most expensive spice, saffron, which comes from the 3 thread-like stigmas of the flowers. Harvesting 3 tiny red stigmas from each flower means it takes 75,000 to 150,000 flowers just to get a pound of dried saffron.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of Iridaceae

The Iridaceae are popular with pollinators like bees, moths, and butterflies for their nectar and pollen, including highly visual flowers with unique ultraviolet patterns and nectar guides to invite the insects in. Many gladiolas have even evolved for specific moth species, where the shape of the flower matches that species’ tongue length.

In North America, native irises often live as emergent aquatics or wetland species with their dense rhizomes that stabilize the shoreline and create microhabitats for invertebrates.

Morphology of Iridaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Iridaceae family in North America with these morphology pics
Learn how to identify the Iridaceae family in North America with these morphology pics

Some Species of Iridaceae Found in North America

Iridoideae Subfamily

Dietes grandiflora, a cultivated Iridaceae with white tepals and petal-like white styles.

Dietes grandiflora—Fortnight Lily

This plant is a popular cultivated species in North America for its hardiness and large, beautiful flowers. From South Africa, this species has 6 white tepals, 3 petal-like white styles in the center, and 3 yellow nectar guides on the outer tepals to guide the pollinators in. This one was in cultivation in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Iris cristata the Dwarf Crested Iris is native to quiet forests of the southeastern USA.

Iris cristata—Dwarf Crested Iris

This lovely iris is native to the quiet forests of the southeastern USA, like this one I found in Georgia. It has low, sword-like leaves growing in a fan-like arrangement. The flower has 6 purple tepals, with nectar guides on the outer 3 and 3 thinner inner ones that stand slightly upright. However, don’t be fooled by the innermost whorl of the slightly lighter purple upright ‘tepals’—those are actually petal-like styles!

Iris fulva the Copper Iris is native to damp and wet soils of the eastern United States.

Iris fulva—Copper Iris

This moisture-loving iris stands out for its bright coppery-red to brick-red flowers, unusual in the family, and for its 3 inner tepals that droop like the outer ones instead of standing upright. Those 3 upright ones in the middle are petal-like styles, and you can see the open stylar canal at the end of the one in the front. These were growing in a wet roadside ditch in Arkansas.

Iris missouriensis or the Rocky Mountain Iris thrives in alpine meadows where it blooms profusely in early spring.

Iris missouriensis—Rocky Mountain Iris

This Iris thrives in high-elevation meadows, plains, and mountain valleys from Canada to Mexico; this one was in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. The flowers are pale to dark lavender with striking purple veins, but I have also found it in the rare white form with yellow veins. The inner tepals stand upright along with the petal-like styles.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium the common blue-eyed grass has grass-like leaves and small blue flowers that only open when the sun shines on them.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium—Blue-Eyed Grass

This genus is known for its grass-like leaves and small, usually blue-violet flower that only open on bright, sunny mornings. Sheaths are visible at the flower base, and if you look at the back of the flower, a fuzzy green inferior ovary is clearly visible. This species is native to low woods, meadows, and damp fields in eastern North America, like this one I found in Tennessee.

Sisyrinchium micranthum is introduced from South America and can be identified by the prominent purple veins and ring around the yellow throat.

Sisyrinchium micranthum—Striped Rush-Leaf

This is an introduced, weedy species from South America. It can be identified by its small flowers, which may be light lavender, blue, or creamy white. They can be identified by the prominent wine-colored band at the tepal base, which makes a contrasting ring around its central yellow throat and its wine-colored veins on the tepals. This one was on a moist roadside in Mississippi.

The Spotted Blue Eyed grass is an Iridaceae that loves sun-baked prairies.

Sisyrinchium pruinosum—Spotted Blue-Eyed Grass

This lovely native species is a bit unusual in that it thrives in sun-baked prairies and grasslands, like this one I found in Oklahoma. It has vibrant blue flowers that are larger than most of its genus, and its leaves are pruinose—with a waxy, grayish, powdery coating on the leaves that gives it its ‘spotted’ or ‘dotted’ appearance and common names. Its 3 stamens are also visible here, which are united into a tube at their base with 3 free yellow anthers at the top.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Iridaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Iridaceae Family

The Iridaceae are mostly perennial herbs, rarely shrubs, with or without a basal aggregation of leaves. They are mostly rhizomatous or cormous but sometimes are bulbaceous. Often helophytic, but sometimes xerophytic.

Leaves are persistent or deciduous, alternate, usually distichous, flat or terete, herbaceous or leathery, sessile or petiolate, and odorless or sometimes foetid. Leaves are sheathing, with free or joined margins. Blades are simple, borne edgewise to the stem (often in two rows appearing fan-shaped) or with blades normally orientated. The lamina is entire and linear or lanceolate, with parallel veins and no cross-venules, and is dorsiventral, bifacial, or centric. Stomata are anomocytic. Lamina has secretory cavities filled with mucilage, while the mesophyll lacks mucilage cells but contains crystals.

Flowers of the Iridaceae Family

Iridaceae are hermaphrodites that usually have floral nectaries with secretion from the nectaries at the tepal bases (mostly) or from the gynoecium via septal nectaries in Ixioideae. Pollination is mostly entomophilous, sometimes ornithophilous, or rarely anemophilous. Flowers are solitary or aggregated in panicles, cymes, spikes, umbels, or corymbs, with ultimate inflorescence units when more than one flower is cymose or racemose. Inflorescences are spatheate (via one or two expanded bladeless sheaths) and nearly always scapiflorous, but some are reduced to a single almost sessile flower (Crocus) and are often difficult to interpret.

Flowers are small to large, actinomorphic or zygomorphic, 3-merous, tetracyclic (usually), and bracteate. A perigone tube is present, long or short. The perianth is made of 6 joined tepals in 2 whorls, which may be similar or different in the two whorls (the inner whorl is sometimes much smaller). It is isomerous and petaloid, appearing in white, yellow, red, purple, violet, blue, or blue-green. The three outer petals often spread horizontally, while the three inner petals stand upright, and the flower is often spotted.

Androecium of the Iridaceae Family

There are 3(2) androecial members, made up of exclusively fertile stamens that are free of the perianth or adnate to the tube and either free of others or coherent with filaments, often united into a basal tube (1 adelphous). Stamens appear in 1 whorl, alternating with the outer perianth lobes. Anthers are separate from one another (usually) or cohering (sometimes Homeria); basifixed; dehiscing via longitudinal slits; extrorse.

Gynoecium of the Iridaceae Family

The gynoecium is 3-carpeled and often partly petaloid, but it may be non-petaloid. The pistil is nearly always 3-celled, or only 1 cell in Isophysis. The gynoecium is synstylovarious and nearly always inferior and 3-locular, with the odd carpel anterior, or very rarely superior and 1 locular in Isophysis.

Styles 1, 3, or 6, depending on the interpretation of the lobes, which may be deeply subdivided and slender (Nemastylis), but they are also very often widely expanded and petaloid. Generally, the styles are interpreted as 3 or 1 trilobed styles. Styles are terminal, and a stylar canal is present. Stigmas are dry type, papillate, and Group II type. Placentation is nearly always axile except when unilocular, then parietal. Ovules are 2–50(1) per locule; arillate or non-arillate; anatropous; bitegmic; crassinucellate.

Fruit of the Iridaceae Family

The fruits are always(?) non-fleshy, dehiscent loculicidal capsules. Capsules usually form behind flowers on the stalk side with 2 rows of large seeds in each locule. Seeds are endospermic and oily, but usually without starch.

Taxonomy of the Iridaceae Family

There are between 2,145 and 2,244 species in 66 genera in the Iridaceae family, which is part of the Asparagales order of the Monocot clade. As it is a relatively large family, broken into 7 subfamilies as follows:

  1. Aristeoideae is a monogeneric subfamily that can be easily recognized because they are rhizomatous vines from southern Africa and Madagascar with isobifacial leaves and flowers that do not last long.
  2. Crocoideae is a large subfamily with 1,170 species in 32 genera, mostly in southern Africa, but also in Europe, Arabia, and Central Asia. They are plants that grow from corms with spicate inflorescences with long-lived flowers and leaves with closed leaf sheaths.
  3. Geosiridoideae is a small monogeneric subfamily with 1 genus and 3 species found in Madagascar, the Comores, and Australia. They are achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophic plants without styloids, with heterobifacial leaves, and with sessile flowers.
  4. Iridoideae is a large subfamily with 920 species in 30 genera found worldwide, but especially in the spine of Central America and South America. They are plants whose whorls of tepals are always differentiated, and they have long, tubular style branches. They come from corms or sometimes bulbs, and the leaf blades may be rounded to flat or dorsiventral. Sometimes the tepals are bearded, and sometimes the style branches are commissural.
  5. Isophysidoideae is a monospecific subfamily, Isophysis tasmanica, from Tasmania. It produces solitary flowers with spathes, and it has no nectaries, a more or less superior ovary, and style branches that are more or less spiraling and are commissural.
  6. Nivenioideae is a small subfamily with 15 species in 3 genera found only in the southwest Cape region of South Africa. They are woody plants with long-loved sessile flowers and leaves with non-vascular fibrous strands and simple stigmas that are slightly expanded or not expanded at all.
  7. Patersonioideae is a monogeneric subfamily with 34 species in Malesia, New Caledonia, and the shores of Australia. They are more or less woody, whizomatous plants with inner tepals that are absent or reduced to scales and broad stigma lobes.

Genera of the Iridaceae Family:

Aristeoideae: Aristea (60).

Crocoideae: Afrocrocus (1), Afrosolen (15), Babiana (93), Chasmanthe (3), Codonorhiza (7), Crocosmia (8), Crocus (257), Cyanixia (1), Devia (1), Dierama (43), Duthiastrum (1), Freesia (16), Geissorhiza (106), Gladiolus (296), Hesperantha (90), Ixia (101), Lapeirousia (28), Melasphaerula (1), Micranthus (7), Pillansia (1), Radinosiphon (2), Romulea (114), Savannosiphon (1), Sparaxis (16), Syringodea (6), Thereianthus (11), Tritonia (30), Tritoniopsis (23), Watsonia (53), Xenoscapa (3), Zygotritonia (7).

Geosiridoideae: Geosiris (3).

Iridoideae: Alophia (6), Bobartia (17), Calydorea (21), Cipura (10), Cobana (1), Cypella (35), Dietes (6), Diplarrena (2), Eleutherine (3), Ennealophus (6), Ferraria (18), Gelasine (8), Herbertia (12), Hesperoxiphion (5), Iris (320), Larentia (3), Libertia (17), Mastigostyla (29), Moraea (235), Nemastylis (4-6), Neomarica (1?), Olsynium (18), Orthrosanthus (9), Salpingostylis (1), Sisyrinchium (212), Solenomelus (2), Tapeinia (1), Tigridia (63), Trimezia (77).

Isophysidoideae: Isophysis (1).

Nivenioideae: Klattia (3), Nivenia (11), Witsenia (1).

Patersonioideae: Patersonia (26).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Iridaceae can sometimes be confused with other bulbous plants of the Liliaceae. However, Liliaceae have 6 stamens and a superior ovary instead of 3 stamens and an inferior ovary in the Iridaceae.

They may also be confused with bulbous Amaryllidaceae. However, while Amaryllidaceae have inferior ovaries (and some superior) they usually have 6 stamens and only very rarely have 3. 

Distribution of the Iridaceae

The Iridaceae family consists of widespread, almost cosmopolitan species that are noticeably absent only from the frigid areas of northern Eurasia. In the Americas it is found from Arctic Canada and Greenland south through the USA, Mexico, Central America, and all of South America down to Tierra del Fuego.

Distribution of the Iridaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Crocoideae: Crocosmia 1 sp. intro BC; Crocus 1 sp. intro ON. Iridoideae: Iris 17 spp. are native in all of Canada, including the Arctic, but excluding NT and intro BC; Olsynium 1 sp. native to BC; Sisyrinchium 12 spp. are native throughout all of Canada, including the Arctic (and 1 sp. Greenland), but excluding NU. 

USA Genera Include:

Aristeoideae: Aristea 1 sp. intro HI. Crocoideae: Chasmanthe 1 sp. intro CA; Crocosmia 1 sp. intro OR, CA, TX, MS, FL, GA, SC, NC, and HI; Crocus 6 spp. intro OR, UT, VA, DE, NY, CT, MA; Freesia 2 spp. introduced in CA, FL; Gladiolus 7 spp. intro CA, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, TN, KY, IL, OH, PA; Ixia 3 spp. intro CA; Romulea 1 sp. intro CA; Sparaxis 2 spp. intro CA; Watsonia 3 spp. intro to CA and HI. Iridoideae: Alophia 1 sp. native to TX, OK, AR, LA, MS; Calydorea 1 sp. native to FL, GA; Herbertia 1 sp. introduced to TX, LA, MS, FL; Iris 45 spp. native and intro in all of the USA and native to AK; Libertia 1 SAM sp. intro CA; Moraea 2 spp. intro CA; Nemastylis 4 spp. native AZ, TX, OK, KS, MO, AR, LA, MS, TN, FL, inc. 3 endemics, which inc. 1 narrow endemic of FL; Olsynium 1 sp. native to WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, ID; Salpingostylis monospecific endemic of FL; Sisyrinchium 39 spp. native and intro in all of the USA, inc. HI; native to AK; Trimezia 1 sp. intro FL and HI.

Mexico Genera Include:

Crocoideae: Crocosmia 4 spp. intro NL S throughout S Mexico; Freesia 1 sp. intro Tlx, Chp; Gladiolus 3 spp. intro Jal, Gto S to Chp; Melasphaerula 1 sp. intro Ver. Iridoideae: Alophia 4 spp. native to Mexico (exc. C), including 1 endemic each in Sin and Ver; Cipura 2 spp. Jal and SLP S to Chp and SE to Yuc; Dietes 2 spp. intro Chi, Dgo, NL S to Ver; Eleutherine 1 sp. native Hgo, Tab, Ver; Iris 7 spp. native and most of Mexico; Larentia 2 spp. endemic W and S Mexico; Libertia 1 SAM sp. intro to Oax; Nemastylis 1 sp. native widespread N and C Mexico S to Pue; Orthrosanthus 2 spp. native to Chp, Gto, Oax, and SLP; Sisyrinchium 24 spp. widespread N to S Mexico, less common in Cam, QR, and Yuc; Tigridia ~50 spp. native throughout Mexico, a few widespread, many restricted endemics; Trimezia 3-6 spp. native to C and S Mexico, NL, and Sin.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Crocoideae: Chasmanthe 1 sp. intro NE Argentina; Crocosmia 1 sp. intro Honduras, Hispaniola, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and NE Argentina; Freesia 1 sp. intro NE Argentina; Gladiolus 1-2 spp. intro to Jamaica, Peru, and NE Argentina; Romulea 1 sp. intro C Chile and NE Argentina; Sparaxis 1 sp. intro NE Argentina. Iridoideae: Alophia 3 spp. native to most of CAM, Guyana, Bolivia, and Brazil, including 2 endemic to Brazil; Calydorea 21 mostly SAM-endemic spp. of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, C. Chile, and NW Argentina; Cipura 10 spp. native to CAM, Antilles, and tropical SAM, excluding Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname; Cobana monospecific CAM endemic to Guatemala and Honduras; Cypella 35 SAM-endemic spp. widespread in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (exc. N), Paraguay, Uruguay, and NW Argentina; Dietes 1 sp. intro Jamaica; Eleutherine 3 spp. native to West Indies, N CAM, N+W SAM, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, including 2 SAM endemics; Ennealophus 6 spp. SAM endemic genus of Ecuador, Peru, N Brazil, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Gelasine 8 spp. SAM endemic genus of Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and NE Argentina; Herbertia 12 spp. former SAM endemics native to Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, N+C Chile, Paraguay, S Brazil, Uruguay, and N Argentina; Hesperoxiphion 5 spp. W SAM endemic genera of Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru; Iris 1-2 spp. intro Venezuela, Antilles, El Salvador, and NE Argentina; Larentia 1 SAM endemic sp. of Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay; Libertia ~12 spp. native and endemic from Colombia to Bolivia and Juan Fernández Is. and C Chile; Mastigostyla 29 spp. endemic genera of Andean SAM Puru, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Nemastylis 1 sp. native Guatemala and Honduras; Neomarica 1 sp. (unplaced most genus transferred to Trimezia) endemic to E Brazil; Olsynium 17 SAM endemic spp. mostly of Andean SAM in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia, but some may be restricted to the Patagonia region; Orthrosanthus 5 spp. native to most of CAM, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, NW Argentina, and Bolivia, mainly high elevations; Sisyrinchium ~100+ spp. native to CAM, Cuba, and all of SAM excluding French Guyana and Suriname; Solenomelus 1 sp. endemic to C Chile; Tigridia ~10-20 spp. native to N CAM, Peru, and C Chile; Trimezia 77 spp. total natives to Mexico south through CAM and most of N SAM south to NE Argentina, with many in the highlands of Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Iridoideae: Calydorea 1 sp. from Coquimbo just N of the region to Bio Bio at the N limit of the region; Libertia 5 spp. throughout C & S Chile, S Argentina, and Juan Fernandez Islands, with 3 restricted to Los Lagos, Chile; Olsynium 4-6 spp. throughout the Patagonia region S to Tierra Del Fuego, S Magallanes, and Falkland Islands; Sisyrinchium 4 spp. found throughout the region S to Magallanes, Chile, and Santa Cruz, Argentina; Solenomelus 1 sp. endemic to C Chile and S Argentina; Tapeinia 1 sp. endemic to S Chile in Bio Bio to Los Lagos, also in S Magallanes and S Argentina.  

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2026): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families. I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to some of the families. Donate to support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Asparagaceae Family

Yucca elata the soaptree yucca growing in its native Chihuahuan desert habitat
Yucca elata the soaptree yucca growing in its native Chihuahuan desert habitat.
Page Last Updated May 29, 2026.

Introduction to the Asparagaceae Family

Welcome to the newly expanded Asparagaceae family! This one was a lot of work and fun to put together since my previous descriptions had split the family into several, but APG IV is saying, for now, that they all belong together. Still, because the subfamilies can vary so much, I have kept much of my information below separate to help you identify the subfamilies since the family level is so diverse and hard to characterize at that level.

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Asparagaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section are morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Asparagaceae: There is tremendous diversity ranging from small perennial herbs from rhizomes or bulbs to vines, shrubs, and tree-like forms. Leaves vary from scale-like (with photosynthesis occurring in stems instead) to large, but they are often narrow and crowded into basal or terminal rosettes.

Flowers of the Asparagaceae: Flowers are usually rather small but can be showy, and they may appear singly but more often appear in dense spikes or branched inflorescences. They usually contain both male (stamens) and female (ovary, style, stigma) parts in the same flower (bisexual). The flower is made of 6 usually petal-like tepals in 2 whorls, which may be free or partly fused into a tube.

Reproductive Features of the Asparagaceae: There are almost always 6 stamens that are usually free of one another, and there is usually a single terminal style on top of the ovary.

Fruits of the Asparagaceae: Fruits are either fleshy berries or dry capsules that split apart at maturity to release their seeds.

Uses of Asparagaceae

There are numerous cultivated ornamentals from the Agavoideae, Convallarioideae, and Scillioideae subfamilies grown for their pretty flowers or evergreen foliage. Culinary asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) and agave sap for the production of alcohol and syrup are of major economic importance. Many Agave and Yucca species are also used for fibers, mostly locally, but some are used commercially on a small scale.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of Asparagaceae

As a diverse family with many species, the Asparagaceae provide significant ecosystem services, especially in arid, coastal, and marginal habitats, providing food (nectar, foliage, and fruits) for various wildlife. They create microhabitats for beneficial insects and pollinators, and many species are drought-tolerant, making them useful for soil stabilization in arid habitats. However, some species can become aggressive and invasive outside their native range and degrade native habitats.

Morphology of Asparagaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Asparagaceae family with these morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Asparagaceae family with these morphology photos

Morphology of the Agavoideae Subfamily in North America

Learn how to identify the Agavoideae Subfamily of the Asparagaceae family with these morphology photos

Morphology of the Brodiaeoideae Subfamily in North America

Learn how to identify the Brodiaeoideae subfamily of the Asparagaceae family with these morphology photos

Morphology of the Convallarioideae Subfamily in North America

Learn how to identify the Convallarioideae subfamily of the Asparagaceae family with these morphology photos

Some Species of Asparagaceae Found in North America

Agavoideae Subfamily

Agave americana is a well-known Agavoideae member that is often cultivated in xeriscape gardens.

Agave americana—Century Plant

Agave americana is a well-known Asparagaceae member that is often cultivated in xeriscape gardens, which is why this former southern North American endemic (USA and Mexico) is now widely introduced around the world. It is known for its massive basal rosette of huge spiny-edged and spiny-tipped blue-green leaves.

Agave parryi ssp neomexicana is my favorite agave for its spines along its leaves and its very long sharp spiny leaf tips and amazing geometric shapes.

Agave parryi ssp neomexicana—New Mexico Agave

New Mexico agave is my favorite agave by far, with its cool geometric leaf pattern that always looks so perfect and its spiny-edged green or blue-green leaves with long spiny tips. It is a narrow subspecies found in New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico in the Chihuahua Desert.

Camassia quamash does not look like most Agavoideae members, more like other Asparagaceae, with its herbaceous leaves and pretty blue-purple flowers.

Camassia quamash—Common Camas

The common cama may not look like most Agavoideae since it’s herbaceous and has showy blue or purple flowers, but when you see it in fruit, they certainly resemble agave capsules. This beauty is native to BC and Alberta, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest in the USA, south to California.

Yucca baccata is typical of the Agavoideae subfamily with its basal rosette of leaves and large inflorescences of flowers.

Yucca baccata—Banana Yucca

Many yuccas have no trunks like this one and instead produce basal groups of leaves with inflorescence stalks coming up from their center. Yucca flowers are typically very large and creamy white, like these. The “banana” part comes from its large, banana-shaped capsules it produces.

Yucca brevifolia the Joshua tree is the world's largest yucca, growing as a small tree with terminal clusters of leaves, which is common in tree forms of the Asparagaceae

Yucca brevifolia—Joshua Tree

Still other yuccas form “trunks” that allow them to get taller, like soap tree yucca, Torrey’s yucca, and this Joshua tree, which is definitely the world’s tallest yucca. It is also becoming increasingly rare in its range thanks to climate change. It is native to California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona in the USA and also in northwestern Mexico.

Brodiaeoideae Subfamily

Triteleia grandiflora is typical of the Brodiaeoideae subfamily of Asparagaceae with its herbaceous habit, grass-like leaves and umbels of showy purple flowers

Triteleia grandiflora—Largeflower Triteleia

This beautiful herbaceous plant was growing in a moist ditch on the side of the road. Its leaves are grass-like and blended in with the grass it was growing with, but it produces the most gorgeous umbels of tubular purple flowers.

Convallarioideae Subfamily

Dasylirion wheeleri shows the characteristic basal rosette of leaves common in many Asparagaceae, and huge spike-like branched inflorescences of small flowers.

Dasylirion wheeleri—Sotol

This iconic desert species has a dense basal rosette of sword-like leaves and produces massive inflorescences of rather small cream-colored flowers. This is another species in decline due to unethical harvesting, climate change, and very slow growth. It is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas as well as northern Mexico.

Nolina greenei is a grass-like plant with large inflorescences and narrow leaves in basal rosettes.

Nolina greenei—Woodland Beargrass

Don’t let the common name fool you, this clumpy native with grass-like leaves and showy inflorescences of small flowers is mostly found in the plains or very open woodlands. It is a narrow US endemic found only in Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Maianthemum dilatatum shows large, well-developed leaves common in the Convallarioideae subfamily, which are otherwise not common in the Asparagaceae

Maianthemum dilatatum—False Lily of the Valley

This gorgeous plant loves moist forests where it grows as an understory plant and groundcover. It has large heart-shaped leaves and small spike-like racemes of small white flowers. It is native to western North America from Alaska south along the Pacific to California.

Maianthemum racemosum showing its parallel-veined leaves, parallel veins are the most common type seen in the Asparagaceae.

Maianthemum racemosum—False Solomon’s Seal

This is one of the most common forest plants I find in this subfamily, as its native to almost all of Canada, the USA, and northern Mexico. It produces large, alternate leaves with parallel veins and somewhat dense terminal panicles of small white star-shaped flowers.

Polygonatum biflorum is another common forest understory plant, which has bell-shaped flowers and produces small berries.

Polygonatum biflorum—Smooth Solomon’s Seal

The Polygonatum are often confused with Maianthemum because of their leaves, but these have bell-shaped flowers that hang down from the leaf axils beneath the plant instead of in terminal inflorescences. It is native throughout eastern North America.

Scillidoideae Subfamily

Hyacinthoides hispanica is a bulbous geophyte, common in the Scillidoideae subfamily of the Asparagaceae

Hyacinthoides hispanica—Spanish Bluebell

This pretty herbaceous and bulbaceous perennial has a strap-shaped basal rosette of leaves and inflorescences of pretty purple bell flowers. Like most Scillidoideae members, however, it is not native but has escaped cultivation in the northwest and northeast of North America.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Asparagaceae Family

Since the new broader Asparagaceae has been greatly expanded and my previous descriptions covered 4 families, plus one I had not covered, I am keeping the information I have on subfamilies separate. Since the subfamilies are more morphologically distinct, while the family as a whole is not, I feel this allows for better, more useful comparisons than if I were to rewrite it lumped together. So I will begin each section with the traits they have in common, followed by how the major North American subfamilies differ.

Habit & Leaf Form of the Asparagaceae Family

The plants of the Aspargaceae are always perennial when they are herbs, with most coming from rhizomes. Leaves vary in size from minimal to quite large but are always arranged alternately. The lamina is always entire, the margins are almost always entire, and the leaves are mostly sessile and sheathing with free margins. The leaves are mostly parallel-veined and lack cross-venules and stipules.

Agavoideae: These are xerophytic herbs, shrubs, or arborescent pachycaul trees, rarely epiphytic. They may be succulent and typically have basal or terminal aggregations of leaves of variable size that are simple, alternate spiral, flat or terete, and leathery, fleshy, or both. Blades may be borne normally or edgewise to the stem and are lanceolate, linear, or subulate. Lamina margins may be entire or serrated, often sharp-pointed with lateral and terminal spines.

Asparagoideae: Mostly switch-plants that photosynthesize through stems (axillary clusters of cladodes) while the leaves are reduced to small bract-like features or membranous scales, but they are still more or less sheathing. They are perennial herbs from rhizomes, self-supporting or climbing vines, or shrubs.

Brodiaeoideae: Herbs with basal aggregations of linear leaves that may be fleshy and often appear similar to Amaryllidaceae-Allioideae plants, but they never smell of onions and come from fibrous corms rather than bulbs.

Convallarioideae: Mesophytic subfamily of mostly herbs with well-developed leaves, with or without a basal aggregation. Dracaena are also often shrubs or trees. Stems are fibrous and do not break easily at the nodes, and they may come from either rhizomatous or tuberous roots. Leaves are alternate and spiral or distichous, herbaceous or leathery, and petiolate to sessile. Leaves are often lanceolate, oblong, or ovate, and they have varying veination that may be palmately, parallel, or pinnately veined and may also have cross-venules. Leaf bases are cordate, attenuate, cuneate, or oblique. Leaves are flat with entire margins.  

Scilloideae: These are mesophytic herbs with a basal aggregation of leaves (occasionally only two), but they are mostly bulbaceous with only some rhizomatous (Chlorogalum, Schoenolirion). Leaves are usually alternate spiral or alternate distichous when reduced to two. Leaves are simple, with blades normally oriented. The lamina is entire and mostly linear but rarely ovate or orbicular.  

Flowers of the Asparagaceae Family

Most flowers are hermaphrodites, and floral nectaries with secretion from the gynoecium via septal nectaries are virtually always present. The perianth is always made of tepals, which are almost always 6 in number, free or joined, isomerous, and 2-whorled and usually similar in the 2 whorls. Flowers are always 3-merous, and the perigone tube may be present or absent.

Agavoideae: Plants may sometimes be andromonoecious, gynomonoecious, or dioecious. Flowers are aggregated in large, branched terminal panicles that may be scapiflorous or not. Flowers are bracteate, regular to somewhat zygomorphic, pentacyclic, with a petaloid perianth.

Brodiaeoideae: The inflorescence is almost always an umbel, rarely a single flower, and it is terminal and scapiflorous, typically with 2-4 or up to 10 inflorescence bracts. Flowers are regular and typically united into a tube with 6 lobes; they are often purple or bluish-violet in color.

Asparagoideae: Sometimes flowers are monoecious, dioecious, or polygamomonoecious, with female flowers having staminodes. Flowers may be solitary or aggregated in cymes, racemes, or umbels and typically emerge from a spathe-like bract. Flowers are small, regular, and cyclic. A hypogynous disk is absent. The perianth may be sepaloid or petaloid, green, white, or yellow.

Convallarioideae: Flowers are usually aggregated in cymose or racemose inflorescences, sometimes panicles, scapiflorous or not, terminal or axillary, and may appear singly but always lack a spathe. Flowers are small to medium, regular, 3(4)-merous, and pentacyclic. A perigone tube is usually present (campanulate or urceolate). The perianth is petaloid, usually 6 but sometimes 8 (4+4), in white, greenish, or rarely other colors.

Scilloideae: Plants are sometimes polygamomonoecious. Flowers are aggregated in scapiflorous racemose racemes, spikes, and heads. Flowers are bracteate (at least in the lower inflorescence), small to medium in size, usually regular but may be variously irregular, and are pentacyclic. The perigone tube is usually present (usually campanulate, urceolate, or tubular). The perianth is petaloid and may be similar or different in the two whorls, in white, yellow, red, violet, blue, brown, or black.

Androecium of the Asparagaceae Family

There are almost always 6 androecial members, usually 6 fertile stamens, usually diplostemonous, usually free of one another, and usually 2 whorled. Anthers are dorsifixed or basifixed, dehiscing via longitudinal slits, and are usually introrse.

Agavoideae: 6 members are adnate to or free from the perianth. Exclusively fertile stamens or 3 stamens + 3 staminodes; isomerous or diplostemonous. Anthers are always dorsifixed.

Asparagoideae: Exclusively fertile in male and hermaphrodite flowers with stamens adnate to the base of the perianth.

Brodiaeoideae: There may be 6 fertile stamens or 3 alternating with 3 staminodes; all are adnate to the perianth. Anthers are always basifixed.

Convallariodeae: Rarely there are 8 or 4 androecial members instead of the usual 6; they are exclusively fertile stamens, and they are free of the perianth or often are inserted high in the tube. They may be equal or unequal, free from one another, or coherent 1-adelphous in Peliosanthes. Anthers are usually basifixed or dorsifixed (Reineckea).

Scilloideae: Usually 6 in 2 whorls but sometimes reduced to 3 members in 1 whorl (e.g., Albuca). Members may be free or adnate to the tube. The androecium occasionally contains 3 staminodes external to the fertile stamens. Filaments are often broad and flat and may be appendiculate by lobes on either side of the anther. Anthers are dorsifixed (epipeltate).

Gynoecium of the Asparagaceae Family

The gynoecium is virtually always 3-carpeled, isomerous with the perianth, and the pistil is virtually always 3-celled, and the ovary is virtually always 3-locular with axile placentation. There is usually a single terminal style.

Agavoideae: The gynoecium is syncarpous, superior to inferior. Stigmas are wet or dry types, papillate, and Group II, III, or IV types. Ovules 6–50 per locule; anatropous; crassinucellate.

Asparagoideae: The gynoecium is synstylovarious to syncarpous and superior. The style is often rather short, and a stylar canal is present. Stigmas are of the wet or dry type. Ovules 2–12 per locule; they are non-arillate, crassinucellate, and hemianatropous, anatropous, or orthotropous.

Brodiaeoideae: The ovary is always superior.

Convallarioideae: There may sometimes be 4 carpels, 4-celled pistils, and 4-locular ovaries, but these are rare. The gynoecium is syncarpous, superior to inferior, and may or may not be stylate with a stylar canal present. Stigma 1, capitate or lobulate, dry type, and papillate. Placentation may be basal, axile, or apical with 2-4 ovules per locule; anatropous to campylotropous; and mostly crassinucellate or rarely pseudocrassinucellate.

Scillioideae: The gynoecium is syncarpous and superior and may be stylate or not. When present, styles are attenuate from the ovary or from a depression at the top of the ovary; the stylar canal is present. Stigmas of 1 or 3, wet or dry type, and papillate. Ovules 2–50 per locule, usually non-arillate (except in Lachenalia), anatropous, bitegmic, and crassinucellate or pseudocrassinucellate.

Fruit of the Asparagaceae Family

The fruits may be dehiscent capsules (always Scillioideae and Brodiaeoideae) or indehiscent berries (always Asparagoideae, usually Convallarioideae). Seeds are always endospermic and oily, and the testa is almost always encrusted with phytomelan in Agavoideae, Brodiaeoideae, and Scillioideae but not in Convallarioideae (unsure about Asparagoideae).

Taxonomy of the Asparagaceae Family

There are now approximately 2,595 to 2,900 species in 153 genera of the Asparagaceae family, which is part of the Asparagales order of non-commelinid monocots. Not that long ago, the Asparagaceae family had only 2 genera, but it has been expanded to include 7 subfamilies described below. This is one of those families that, as a whole, are difficult to characterize.

  1. Aphyllanthoideae—this tiny subfamily consists of a single species endemic to the western Mediterranean. It is easy to recognize because it has tufts of photosynthetic, scapose inflorescences and scarious, non-photosynthetic leaves at their bases.
  2. Agavoideae—formerly the Agavaceae—has about 25 genera and 637 species pantropical, subtropical, and rarely southern temperate, with the majority found in SW North America. They are herbs, shrubs, or arborescent, with a basal aggregation of leaves and flowers in large, much-branched panicles.
  3. Brodiaeoideae is a small subfamily of about 12 genera and 62 species found in SW North America from British Columbia, Canada, south to Guatemala. They look very similar to wild onions with umbels of small flowers and a superior ovary, but they have corms and do not smell of onions.
  4. Scilloideae is a large subfamily of about 996 species in 37 genera found in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and southwest Asia, with one genus found in South America. They are bulbous geophytes with scapose inflorescences.
  5. Lomandroideae is a subfamily of approximately 200 species in 12 genera that are mostly Australian, but with some also in Asia, Madagascar, and South America. They are mostly tough perennial herbs, with some shrubs.
  6. Asparagoideae only contains 2 genera but over 220 species found mostly in Africa, Europe, and Asia but also Australia and the Pacific Islands and one genus native to Mexico. They are herbs or shrubs that often climb and are easy to recognize by their very reduced leaves using photosynthetic stems (cladodes and/or phylloclades) instead.
  7. Convallarioideae is a large subfamily of 605 species in 26 genera found in North America, Central America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and northern Australia. They can usually be differentiated fairly easily from the rest of the family by being mostly herbs (except Dracaena, which may also be shrubs or trees) and having well-developed leaves and inflorescences that are typically not scapiflorous.

Genera of the Asparagaceae Family:

As the taxonomy of this family is still under debate, a few genera are currently listed in more than one subfamily because I (and APG IV) am uncertain where to place them. This will be updated when I have more information.

Agavoideae: Agave (230), Anemarrhena (1), Anthericum (8), Behnia (1), Beschorneria (10), Camassia (6), Chlorogalum (3-5), Chlorophytum (216), Diamena (1), Diora (1), Echeandia (85), Echinoagave (12), Furcraea (26), Hagenbachia (6), Hastingsia (4), Herreria (8), Herreriopsis (1), Hesperaloe (8), Hesperocallis (1), Hesperoyucca (2), Hosta (30), Leucocrinum (1), Paleoagave (1), Paraagave (1), Paradisea (2), Schoenolirion (3), Yucca (54).

Aphyllanthoideae: Monospecific Aphyllanthes monspeliensis (W Mediterranean). 

AsparagoideaeAsparagus (211), Hemiphylacus (5).

Brodiaeoideae: Androstephium (2), Bessera (4), Bloomeria (3), Brodiaea (18), Dandya (1), Dichelostemma (4), Milla (16), Muilla (4), Petronymphe (2), Triteleia (16), Triteleiopsis (1).

Convallarioideae: Aspidistra (251), Beaucarnea (13), Comospermum (1), Convallaria (3), Danae (1), Dasylirion (23), Disporopsis (11), Dracaena (224), Eriospermum (114), Heteropolygonatum (13), Liriope (9), Maianthemum (40), Nolina (35), Ophiopogon (92), Peliosanthes (81), Polygonatum (78), Reineckea (2), Rohdea (34), Ruscus (6), Semele (3), Speirantha (1), Theropogon (1), Tupistra (39). 

Lomandroideae: Acanthocarpus (7), Arthropodium (16), Chamaexeros (4), Cordyline (24), Eustrephus (1), Laxmannia (13), Lomandra (69), Romnalda (4), Sowerbaea (5), Thysanotus (59), Trichopetalum (2).

Scilloideae: Albuca (172), Alrawia (2), Bellevalia (81), Bowiea (1), Brimeura (3), Daubenya (8), Dipcadi (43), Drimia (130), Eucomis (14), Hooveria (2), Hyacinthella (18), Hyacinthoides (12), Hyacinthus (3), Lachenalia (141), Ledebouria (70), Massonia (33), Merwilla (3), Muscari (85), Namophila (1), Occultia (2), Ornithogalum (220), Oziroe (5), Pseudolachenalia (1), Pseudoprospero (1), Puschkinia (7), Schizocarphus (1), Scilla (86), Spetaea (1), Veltheimia (2).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Brodiaeoideae are similar to the Amaryllidaceae-Allioideae with scapose, umbellate inflorescences of small flowers, but in the Brodiaeoideae, they come from fibrous corms, not bulbs; they do not smell of onions; and they have 4+ inflorescence bracts instead of 3.

Distribution of the Asparagaceae

Under this broader definition, the Asparagaceae are temperate, subtropical, and pantropical and are especially widespread in the Old World. Still, they are found throughout the Americas from Canada south through the USA, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Distribution of the Asparagaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Agavoideae: Camassia 3 spp. native to BC, AB, and ON; Hosta 1 spp. intro to QC; Yucca 3 spp. native to AB and intro in ON and SK. Asparagoideae: Asparagus 1 sp. intro in all southern provinces except Labrador. Brodiaeoideae: Brodiaea 1 sp. native to BC; Triteleia 2-3 spp. native to BC. Convallarioideae: Convallaria 1 sp. intro ON, QC, SK?, NL Island; Maianthemum 6 spp. native in all of Canada, including the Arctic; Polygonatum 3 spp. native SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS. Scilloideae: Hyacinthoides 3 spp. intro to BC, ON, NL (exc. Labrador); Muscari 3 spp. intro to BC, ON, NL (exc. Labrador); Ornithogalum 2 spp. intro BC, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL Island; Puschkinia 1 sp. intro ON; Scilla 3 spp. intro BC, QC, ON, NB.

USA Genera Include:

Agavoideae: Agave 26 spp. native and intro CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX, LA, FL, and intro HI plus former Manfreda 5 spp. native TX, OK, LA, AR, MO, IL, IN, OH, VA, MD, KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC; Camassia 6 spp. native WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, ID, MT, WY, TX, OK, KS, IA, MO, AR, LA, WI, IL, IN, OH, MI, PA, MD, WV, VA, KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, including 3 endemics, 2 of which are narrow endemics of the PNW; Chlorogalum 3-5 spp. endemic genera of OR, CA; Chlorophytum 2 spp. intro to CA, FL, GA; Echeandia 4 spp. native to AZ, NM, and TX (1 rare narrow TX endemic); Furcraea 2 spp. native and intro FL and intro HI; Hastingsia 4 spp. endemic genera of OR, CA; Hesperaloe 2 spp. native to TX, including 1 narrow endemic; Hesperocallis monospecific NAM endemic native in CA, NV, and AZ; Hesperoyucca 2 spp. inc. 1 endemic native to CA and AZ; Hosta 4 spp. intro to NE states; Leucocrinum monospecific US endemic to most of W USA exc. WA, OK, and TX; Schoenolirion 3 spp. endemic genera of TX, LA, AR, TN, NC, SC, AL, GA, FL; Yucca 29 spp. native in most of the USA, except WA, OR, ID, MN, VT, NH, and ME. Asparagoideae: Asparagus 4 spp. intro in all of the USA, inc. HI. Brodiaeoideae: Androstephium 2 spp. SW USA endemic genera of CA, NV, UT, AZ, WY, CO, NM, KS, OK, TX; Bloomeria 2 spp. native, including 1 endemic to CA; Brodiaea 16 spp. native, including many endemics to WA, OR, CA; Dichelostemma 4-6 spp. W USA endemic genera of WA, OR, CA; Milla 1 sp. native to AZ, NM, TX; Muilla 4 spp. native, including 3 endemics of CA, NV, NM; Triteleia 15 spp. native to WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, WY, ID, MT, including ~11 endemics; Triteleiopsis 1 sp. native to AZ. Convallarioideae: Aspidistra 1? sp intro AL, AR, FL; Convallaria 2 spp native and intro in most of E USA from MN S to LA and all E of that exc LA, MS, FL, SC, and inc KS, MT, UT, WA, OR; Dasylirion 4 spp native to AZ, NM, TX (1 narrow endemic); Dracaena (Sanseviera) 2 spp. intro FL; Liriope 2 spp. intro to IL, VA, MD, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC; Maianthemum 5 spp. native throughout the entire USA, including AK; Nolina 14 spp. native to CA, NV, AZ, NM, CO, OK, TX, FL, GA, and SC, inc. 7 endemics; Ophiopogon 1 sp. intro in AR, AL; Polygonatum 4 spp. native and intro in most of the USA except WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, UT, and CO. Scilloideae: Hooveria 2 spp. inc. 1 endemic native to CA; Hyacinthoides 3 spp. intro WA, OR, IN, OH, KY, TN, NC, VA, MD, DE, NJ, PA, NY, CT; Hyacinthus 1 sp. intro to CA, UT, TX, KY, VA, PA; Muscari 4 spp. introduced in much of the USA, except ID, MT, WY, NV, AZ, ND, SD, NE, OK, IA, ME; Ornithogalum 5 spp. introduced in most of the USA, except MT, WY, CO, NM, NV, AZ; Scilla 1 sp. intro UT, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, KY, IN, OH, MI, PA, NJ, DE, NY, CT, NH. 

Mexico Genera Include:

Agavoideae: Agave ~200 spp. native, inc. ~100 endemics, widespread throughout all of Mexico; Beschorneria 10 spp. native to most of Mexico except the NW, includes 9 endemics; Chlorophytum 1 sp. intro, scattered throughout most of Mexico exc. Cmp, Coa, Son; Echeandia 74 spp. native throughout all of Mexico, including 63 endemics; Echinoagave 12 spp. endemic genera of N, C, and W Mexico; Furcraea 12 spp. native, inc. 4 endemics tropical S Mexico, Chp, Gro, Mch, Mex, Oax, Pue, QR, Tam, Ver, Yuc; Hesperaloe 7 spp. native Coa, NL, SLP, Son, Tam, including 6 endemics; Hesperocallis monospecific NAM endemic native in NW Mexico; Hesperoyucca 1 sp. native Ags, BC, BCS, Cd Mex, Dgo, Gto, Hgo, Pue; Paleoagave monospecific endemic of NW Mexico; Paraagave monospecific endemic of Mexico Gulf and SW; Yucca ~40 spp. inc. at least 13 endemics widespread throughout Mexico. Asparagoideae: Asparagus 5 spp. intro most of Mexico exc. N Son, Coa, Tam; Hemiphylacus 5 spp. endemic genera of Ags, Coa, Gto, NL, Oax, Pue, Qro, SLP. Brodiaeoideae: Bessera 4 spp. endemic genera of Mexico, B. elegans C + S Mexico, B. tenuiflora BC, BCS, B. tuitensis Jal; Bloomeria 2 spp. native to N BC, including 1 endemic; Brodiaea 2 spp. native to N BC; Dandya monospecific endemic of NE Mexico; Dichelostemma 1 sp.? native to BC, BCS, W Chi, N Son; Milla 16 spp. native, including 14-15 endemic to Coa, Gro, Mor, NL, Oax, Pue, SLP; Muilla 1 sp. native to N BC; Petronymphe 2 spp. endemic genera of SW Mexico; Triteleia 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Triteleiopsis 1 sp. native to BC, BCS, and Son. Convallarioideae: Aspidistra 1 sp. intro NW, SW, and NW Gulf of Mexico; Beaucarnea 12 spp. native throughout Mexico exc. NW, inlcuding 10-11 endemics; Dasylirion 23 spp., mostly endemics native to most of Mexico exc. the tropical south; Dracaena 1 of 2 Americas spp. native to S Mexico, plus 2 spp. (former Sansevieria) intro to most of Mexico exc. N deserts of BC, Coa, and Son; Liriope 2 spp. intro Sin, Cd Mex, Mor, Ver, Chp; Maianthemum 9 spp. native to Chi, Chp, Dgo, Oax, Ver, including 4 endemics; Nolina 21 spp. native to most of Mexico except the far south, including 13 endemics; Ophiopogon 1 sp. Cd Mex, Pue, Zac; Polygonatum 2 spp. native to Son, Dgo, and Ver. Lomandroideae: Cordyline 1 sp. intro throughout S. Mexico. Scilloideae: Albuca 1 sp. intro Pue; Hooveria 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Hyacinthus 1 sp. intro to C. Mexico; Muscari 1? sp. intro Sin, Ver; Ornithogalum 5 spp. introduced in C. Mexico.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Agavoideae: Agave over 100 spp., native throughout CAM, most of the Antilles and Caribbean, Bermuda, S to Colombia and Venezuela, now intro to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, E Brazil, and NE Argentina; Beschorneria 1 sp., mostly Mexico endemic genera, found in dry Guatemala and Honduras; Chlorophytum 1 sp. intro to Ecuador, Juan Fernandez Island; Diamena is a monospecific endemic of Peru; Diora is a monospecific endemic of Peru; Echeandia ~8 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, NW Argentina, mostly SAM endemics; Furcraea 25 extant spp. native to Mexico, Caribbean, CAM, and N. SAM; Hagenbachia 6 spp. neoendemic genera in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Paraguay; Herreria 8 spp. SAM endemic genera native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and C. Chile; Yucca ~10 spp. native to hot, arid parts of CAM, Bermuda, and intro to Antilles, El Salvador, Ecuador, Bolivia, North Argentina, and Uruguay. Asparagoideae: Asparagus 1 sp. introduced to Brazil, Antilles, Bermuda, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Galápagos. Brodiaeoideae: Milla 1 sp. native to Guatemala, Honduras. Convallarioideae: Aspidistra 1 sp. intro El Salvador; Beaucarnea 2 spp. native to Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua; Dracaena 2 Americas spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia and 1 sp. endemic to Cuba and introduced to other Antilles, El Salvador, and Ecuador; Maianthemum 8 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, including 2+ narrow endemics; Ophiopogon 1 sp. intro in NE Argentina. Lomandroideae: Cordyline 1 neoendemic species native to S and SE Brazil, Bolivia, N Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with most species in the Pacific Islands and Australia; Trichopetalum 1 narrow endemic of C Chile. Scilloideae: Hyacinthus 1 sp. intro to Cuba; Oziroe 5 SAM endemic spp. native to Peru, Bolivia, and Chile S to C Chile in Maule, Argentina.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Agavoideae: Herreria 1 sp. native to Bio Bio, Chile, in the N end of the region. Asparagoideae: Asparagus 1 sp. introduced in S Argentina. Lomandroideae:Trichopetalum 1-2 spp., both narrow endemics, one of Nequem, Argentina, and 1 of C Chile, which may also be in the temperate zone.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to some of the families. Donate to support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Amaryllidaceae Family

Hymenocallis liriosme a native Amaryllidaceae of the southeastern USA.
Hymenocallis liriosme is a native Amaryllidaceae of the southeastern USA.
Page Last Updated May 30, 2026.

Introduction to the Amaryllidaceae Family

The Amaryllidaceae family is a gorgeous family of often showy flowers, making them popular in gardens and the cut flower industry. My first experience with the family is with wild onion (Allium) species, which produce small umbels of lovely flowers and often smell like the onions we eat due to the presence of sulfide compounds. These are common in temperate climates, and when I went further south I got to explore the more large-flowered species of the Amarylidoideae subfamily, which are virtually all worthy of a spot in your native garden.

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Amaryllidaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section are morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Amaryllidaceae: This is a family of mostly herbaceous bulbs, although some genera have rhizomes (thick roots). They usually have a grouping of leaves from their base, often lacking stems altogether, with leaves that are simple and often flat, rounded, or angular and may be onion-scented in the onion subfamily.

Flowers of the Amaryllidaceae: Flowers always contain both male (stamens) and female (ovary, stigma, style) parts in the same flower (bisexual). Flowers may appear on their own or grouped in various inflorescences, often umbel-like, on leafless stalks (scapes), often enclosed in spathe-like bracts at the base. Flowers are made of 6 petal-like tepals in 2 whorls, but some have an extra inner whorl (corona) that may come in a wide range of colors.

Reproductive Features of the Amaryllidaceae: There are nearly always 6 stamens in 2 whorls (3+3), but sometimes they are fused at the base or into a tube, and they may or may not have appendages at their base. The ovary almost always has 3 chambers (locules) with a single, usually terminal style.

Fruits of the Amaryllidaceae: Fruits are nearly always dry capsules that split apart when mature, but rarely it may be a berry.

Uses of Amaryllidaceae 

There are numerous cultivated species in this family for their often large and showy colorful flowers, including common garden plants and cut flowers like daffodils, snowdrops, numerous lily-like plants, and others from the Amaryllis, Crinum, Sternbergia, Nerine, and Clivia genera. There are also several vegetables from the Allioideae subfamily, including onions, chives, leeks, and garlic. A small number of species are used medicinally, mostly in indigenous medicines.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of Amaryllidaceae

The Amaryllidaceae often provide food and habitat for insects, pollinators, and small animals. Animals will feed on the bulbous roots while countless pollinators flock to the floral nectaries found in their flowers.

Many species are also known for their ecological resilience in dry or harsh environments. in this family are renowned for their ecological resilience in dry or challenging environments and for producing specialized compounds that serve both ecological and medicinal functions.

Morphology of Amaryllidaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Amaryllidaceae family with morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Amaryllidaceae family with morphology photos

Some Species of Amaryllidaceae Found in North America

Allioideae Subfamily

Allium drummondii—Drummond’s Onion

This bulb-forming perennial smells mildly of onion and produces pretty umbels of pink or white flowers every spring. It is a very common native, considered invasive in some areas, especially in Texas, where it is very abundant. However, it is native to the south-central United States (including Texas) and south into northeastern Mexico.

Allium textile—Textile Onion

This lovely wild onion produces egg-shaped bulbs and a leafless scape up to 40 cm tall with bell-shaped flowers with yellow anthers and pollen. It is native to the Canadian prairies (AB, SK, MB) and south through the plains and Rocky Mountain region as far south as northern New Mexico.

Allium vineale—Wild Garlic

This one is easy to identify, as it smells strongly of garlic, and it produces a unique inflorescence of bulbils rather than flowers (no to few flowers) that often start growing while still attached, like this one in the photo. It is native to Europe and Africa and is becoming invasive in North America.

Nothoscordum bivalve—Crow Poison

This bulbous perennial produces 1 to 4 narrow leaves up to 30 cm long with an umbel of 3-6 flowers with whitish tepals with a dark midvein; it does not smell of garlic or onion. It is native to the southeastern USA, Mexico, and South America.

Amaryllidoideae Subfamily

Hymenocallis liriosme a native Amaryllidaceae of the southeastern USA.

Hymenocallis liriosme—Texas Spider-Lily

This beautiful native produces wide, flat, strappy leaves and few-flowered umbels with large white flowers with conspicuous long, skinny tepals and a conspicuous yellow-green ‘eye’ in the center. It is endemic to the southeastern USA.

Narcissus jonquilla—Rush Daffodil

This is one of several daffodil species that have been introduced to North America; this one was growing in a forest in Virginia, USA. Daffodils are easily recognized by their often very large and usually yellow corona in the center surrounding the reproductive parts of the flower.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Amaryllidaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Amaryllidaceae Family

The Amaryllidaceae are a family of mostly geophyte herbs, occasionally epiphytes or aquatics, that may be herbaceous or succulent, often deciduous. Most of the family is bulbous, a key characteristic, but some are rhizomatous (Agapanthus, Clivia, and Scadoxus), and some may appear transitional between the two. They are perennials that usually (but not always) have a basal aggregation of leaves. Hydrophytes are rooted and have their leaves submerged. Most others are mesophytic, but xerophytic herbs are also seen.

Leaves are mostly alternate distichous but can be spiral (e.g., Crinum), sessile (usually), or nearly petiolate. They are always sheathing, typically with free margins. Leaves are simple, entire, linear, lanceolate, oblong, ovate, or orbicular and may be flat, rolled, terete, or angular. In Allioideae, they are often onion-scented due to allylic sulfide compounds. Leaves are parallel veined and never have cross-venules. Lamina margins are entire. Leaf development is graminaceous. Stomata are present and anomocytic. Mesophyll, often with mucilage cells and crystal raphides, may be laticiferous in Allioideae.

Flowers of the Amaryllidaceae Family

Plants of the Amaryllidaceae family are always hermaphrodites with floral nectaries, mostly from the gynoecium from septal nectaries; pollination is mostly entomophilous. Flowers may be solitary or aggregated in condensed cymes, umbels, umbellate helicoid cymes (esp. Allioideae), or heads (by condensation). Inflorescences are scapiflorous, usually with involucral bracts (mostly with 2 (1–8), typically spathe-like, free or connate scales).

Flowers are actinomorphic to very irregular and somewhat zygomorphic, 3-merous, and tetracyclic or pentacyclic. The perigone tube may be present (short to long) or absent. The perianth is made of 6 tepals, free to joined into a floral tube at the base; 2 whorled (3+3 but often with a conspicuous corona-like extra inner whorl); isomerous; petaloid; similar in the two whorls; green, green to white, white, cream, yellow, red, pink, purple, brown, or various combinations; blue or violet sometimes in Allioideae. Tepal apex trichomes (TAT) present in some genera.

Androecium of the Amaryllidaceae Family

There are nearly always 6 (3-18) androecial members in 2 whorls (3+3), except for Gethyllis with 9-18 stamens. They are free of the perianth or adnate to the base of the tube or tepals (always adnate in Allioideae); they are mostly free of one another, but they may be coherent, 1-adelphous, or basally connate (Allium). The androecium is almost always exclusively fertile stamens; they are isomerous with the perianth (mostly Allioideae) or otherwise nearly always diplostemonous, alterniperianth, or occasionally opposiperianth in Allioideae. Stamens have flat filaments in Allioideae and are often appendiculate in Amarylidoideae with connate filaments sometimes expanded to form a staminal corona. Anthers are nearly always dorsifixed, usually versatile, dehiscing via longitudinal slits or pores, and usually introrse or sometimes latrorse (Crinum).

Gynoecium of the Amaryllidaceae Family

The gynoecium is always 3-carpeled, isomerous with the perianth; the pistil is usually 3-celled (rarely 1). The gynoecium is mostly syncarpous (rarely synstylovarous?) and mostly inferior in Amarylidoideae and always superior in Allioideae. The ovary is almost always 3-locular with one terminal (Amaryllidoideae) or nearly gynobasic (sometimes Allioideae) style. There may be 1 or 3 stigmas; 1–3 lobed; capitate (always?), dry (mostly), or wet types (some); and papillate. Placentation is unilocular when basal (Calostemma) or parietal or when trilocular (usually) it is axile (always in Allioideae) or basal (rarely). Ovules 1-50 per locule; non-arillate; anatropous or usually campylotropous in Allioideae; without integuments (rarely), unitegmic or bitegmic (usually); crassinucellate or pseudocrassinucellate.  

Fruit of the Amaryllidaceae Family

The fruits are mostly non-fleshy dehiscent capsules or rarely a fleshy indehiscent berry. Seeds are endospermic and oily but never contain starch and may be winged (e.g., Agapanthus) or not. Allioideae testae are encrusted with black phytomelan.

Taxonomy of the Amaryllidaceae Family

The Amaryllidaceae is a family with 1,605 species in 73 genera of the Asparagales order of non-commelinid monocots. It was and occasionally may still be found included in the Liliaceae family, but molecular phylogenetics does not support this classification. Furthermore, sometimes the Allioideae is separated, but under the current description it is a subfamily, and we have included it here. The Amaryllidaceae currently has 3 accepted subfamilies:

  1. Agapanthoideae is a small family of 1 genus and 8 species from South Africa. They are robust rhizomatous herbs with fleshy two-ranked leaves and scapose umbellate inflorescences of mostly large blue flowers.
  2. Allioideae is a large subfamily (the former onion family) of 795 species, almost entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, from cold temperate to subtropical climates. They are characterized by being bulbous or rhizomatous perennials with a characteristic onion odor from sulfur compounds, spiral leaves with closed sheaths, and laticifers.
  3. Amaryllidoideae is the largest subfamily, with 900 species in 75 genera; they are mostly tropical, especially in South America and Africa. They are mostly perennial bulbous geophytes with strap-shaped leaves and showy flowers.

Genera of the Amaryllidaceae Family:

Agapanthoideae: Agapanthus (8).

Allioideae: Allium (970-1112), Atacamallium (1), Beauverdia (? or syn. Nothoscordum), Gilliesia (13), Ipheion (3), Latace (2), Leucocoryne (48), Miersia (11), Nothoscordum (94), Schickendantziella (1), Solaria (6? or syn. Gilliesia), Speea (2? or syn. Miersia), Trichlora (4), Tristagma (17), Tulbaghia (28).

Amaryllidoideae: Amaryllis (2), Ammocharis (7), Boophone (2), Brunsvigia (19), Calostemma (3), Cearanthes (1), Chlidanthus (5), Clinanthus (24), Clivia (6), Crinum (116), Crossyne (2), Cryptostephanus (3), Cyrtanthus (59), Eremolirion (1 or syn. Paposoa), Eucrosia (6), Eustephia (6), Galanthus (25), Gethyllis (31), Griffinia (23), Haemanthus (24), Hannonia (1), Hessea (14), Hieronymiella (11), Hippeastrum (116), Hymenocallis (67), Ismene (11), Lapiedra (1), Leptochiton (2), Leucojum (3?), Lycoris (25), Mathieua (1), Narcissus (76), Nerine (25), Pamianthe (3), Pancratium (24), Paposoa (1), Paramongaia (5), Phaedranassa (11), Phycella (13), Placea (4? or syn. Phycella), Plagiolirion (1), Proiphys (5), Pucara (1? or syn. Stenomesson), Pyrolirion (8), Rauhia (5), Rhodolirium (2), Scadoxus (9), Shoubiaonia (1), Stenomesson (19), Sternbergia (8), Strumaria (29), Traubia (1), Ungernia (10), Urceolina (29), Vagaria (2), Worsleya (1), Zephyranthes (192).

Key Differences From Similar Families

This family can be confused with other plants with storage organs, including the Iridaceae, which always has 3 stamens instead of 6. It can also be confused with some Liliaceae, which also have 6 stamens and a superior ovary, which could have it confused with some Allioideae, but Liliaceae often do not have a basal aggregation of leaves, while most Allioideae do.

Distribution of Amaryllidaceae

The Amaryllidaceae family is widespread but mostly paleotropical and neotropical, with some subtropical and temperate (especially in the Allioideae). They are nearly cosmopolitan. In the Americas this family is found in Canada (including the Arctic), the USA, south through Mexico, the Antilles, Central America, and South America to the southernmost region.

Distribution of Amaryllidaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Allioideae: Allium 17 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic, except PE. Amaryllidoideae: Galanthus 2 spp. intro ON, NB?, and NL Island?; Leucojum 1 sp. intro ON, NS; Narcissus 3 spp. intro BC, ON, ephemeral NB, QC, and NL Island?

USA Genera Include:

Agapanthoideae: Agapanthus 1 sp. intro to CA. Allioideae: Allium 103 spp. native and intro in all of USA, inc. AK; Ipheion 1 sp. intro to OR, CA, TX, AL, and VA; Nothoscordum 4 spp. native to most of S half of USA from AZ E to NJ and all states S exc. NV, UT, CO, PA, NJ, WV, MD, and DE, and intro in CA; Tristagma 1 sp. intro to OR, CA, TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA. Amaryllidoideae: Amaryllis 1 sp. intro to CA, LA; Cooperia 5 spp. native NM, TX, OK, KS, AR, LA, MS, AL, FL, may now be syn. of Zephyranthes; Crinum 4 spp. native and intro TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC; Galanthus 2 spp. intro WA, UT, NC, VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, OH, NY, RI, MA; Hippeastrum 4 spp. intro FL, TX, AL, and HI; Hymenocallis 17 spp. native and intro. in TX, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, IL, and IN, there are at least 3 endemics; Leucojum 2 spp. intro in OR, CA, TX, LA, AR, MO, MS, AL, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, IL, IN, OH, PA, VA, MD, DE, NY, CT, MA, and ME; Lycoris 2 spp. intro in IL, OH, LA, MS, AL, TN, FL, SC, and NC; Narcissus 11 spp. intro in most of the E USA, the Pacific states, TX, and UT; Pancratium 1 sp. intro to CA; Sternbergia 1 sp. intro to VA; Zephyranthes 12 spp. native (inc. 5 endemics) and introduced to AZ, NM, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, and MD and introduced in HI.

Mexico Genera Include:

Agapanthoideae: Agapanthus 1 sp. intro Nay E to Tam S to Chp, plus NL and Yuc. Allioideae: Allium 31 spp. native and intro throughout Mexico; Ipheion 1 sp. intro Nay; Nothoscordum 2 spp. native to most of Mexico, exc. Yuc and QR; Tulbaghia 1 sp. intro to Chp, Cd Mex, Gto, Mch, and NL. Amaryllidoideae: Amaryllis 1 sp. intro Chp, Gto, Ver, Yuc; Clivia 1 sp. intro to SW+C+SE Mexico; Crinum 6 spp. native to SW+SE Mexico and intro elsewhere; Hippeastrum 1-2 spp. intro to SW+SE+C Mexico; Hymenocallis 34 spp. native, inc. 30 endemics, native throughout all of Mexico; Ismene 1 sp. intro Chp, Tam; Narcissus 1 sp. intro to C Mexico; Scadoxus 1 sp. intro Gto, Oax, Ver; Urceolina 1 sp. intro Dgo S to Chp; Zephyranthes ~30 spp. native, inc. 6 endemic, widespread throughout all of Mexico.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Allioideae: Allium ~3 spp., including 1 native to Guatemala and Honduras and 1-2 spp. intro to the Greater Antilles, Colombia, Ecuador, C Chile, and N Argentina; Atacamallium monospecific endemic to the Atacama Desert of N Chile; Gilliesia 13 spp. in C Chile and NW+S Argentina, most are endemic to Chile; Ipheion 3 spp. originally endemic to NE Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil; Latace 2 spp. narrow endemic genera of N+C Chile and NW Argentina; Leucocoryne 48 spp. narrow endemic genera of N+C Chile; Miersia 11 spp. neoendemic genera of Bolivia and C Chile; Nothoscordium ~30 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, and C+E Brazil and intro Jamaica; Schickendantziella is a monospecific endemic of Tucumán, Argentina + Bolivia; Speea 2 spp. endemic in Chile, but s/t as syn. of Miersa; Trichlora 4 spp. narrow endemic genera of Peru; Tristagma 17 spp. native to in Peru, C+S Chile, and NW+S Argentina. Amaryllidoideae: Amaryllis 1 sp. intro Cuba, Hispaniola, Juan Fernandez Island; Cearanthes monospecific endemic of NE Brazil; Chlidanthus 5 spp. endemic mostly to the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Clinanthus 24 spp. W SAM endemic genera, most endemic to Peru, but also in Ecuador, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Crinum ~5 spp. native to Honduras S to Peru, N+E Brazil, also in Paraguay and Cuba and introduced to some of the Caribbean islands; Eremolirion is a monospecific endemic of N + C Chile (may be described as Paposoa); Eucrosia 6 spp. endemic genera of Ecuador and Peru; Eustephia 6 spp. endemic genera of Peru and Bolivia; Griffinia 23 spp. narrow endemic genera of E+C Brazil; Hieronymiella 11 neoendemic spp. native to Bolivia, Peru, NW Argentina; Hippeastrum 116 spp. former neoendemic genera native to Costa Rica and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Argentina, introduced in the Antilles, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Belize; Hymenocallis ~34 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), the Caribbean and Antilles Islands, and tropical SAM S to Peru and Brazil; Ismene 11 narrow endemic spp. of Peru and Ecuador; Leptochiton 2 neoendemic spp. in Ecuador and Peru; Mathieua is a monospecific extinct species formerly endemic to Peru; Pamianthe 3 neoendemic spp. of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia; Paposoa is a monospecific endemic of N + C Chile; Paramongaia 5 spp. narrow endemic genus of Peru and Bolivia; Phaedranassa 11 neoendemic spp. of Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador; Phycella 13 spp. endemic genus of C+N Chile; Placea 4? spp. endemic to N+C Chile; Plagiolirion is a monospecific rare endemic of Colombia thought extinct until rediscovered in Río Cauca Valley in 1989; Pyrolirion 8 neoendemic spp. of N Chile, Peru, and Bolivia; Rauhia 5 spp. narrow Peru endemic genus; Rhodolirium 2 SAM endemics native to C Chile and NW+S Argentina; Stenomesson 19 W SAM endemic spp. of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and N Chile; Traubia is a monospecific endemic of N+C Chile; Urceolina 29 neoendemic spp. of Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, N Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru; Worsleya monospecific endemic of E Brazil; Zephyranthes ~180 spp. native to CAM, the Antilles, and SAM S to Tierra del Fuego (exc. Guyana and French Guinea).

Patagonia Genera Include:

Allioideae: Allium 1 sp. intro to S Argentina and Falkland Is.; Gilliesia 1-2 sp. in S Argentina but may be just N of this region; Latace 1 sp. in Los Lagos, Chile; Leucocoryne 1 sp. in Bio Bio and Lagos, Chile; Nothoscordum 1-2 spp. native in the N Patagonia region in Bio Bio S to Los Lagos, Chile, and Rio Negro, Argentina; Solaria 1 sp. at the N limit in Bio Bio, Chile, and E Neuquen, Argentina, or syn. of GilliesiaTristagma 4 spp. native throughout the entire region from the N limit to the S end of Magallanes / Tierra del Fuego. Amaryllidoideae: Rhodolirium 2 spp. Bio Bio to Araucania, Chile, and Rio Negro to Chubut, Argentina; Zephyranthes 1 sp. in Argentina in Neuquen and Rio Negro S to Chubut, also in S Chile.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Arecaceae Palm Family

Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm showing cluster of leaves on the top of the truck, very characteristic of the Arecaceae family
Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm showing cluster of leaves on the top of the truck, very characteristic of the Arecaceae family.
Page Last Updated May 16, 2026.

Introduction to the Arecaceae Family

Welcome to the Arecaceae family, a curious monocot that often thinks it’s a tree!

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Arecaceae or palm family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Arecaceae: The Arecaceae are mostly trees or shrubs, but woody vines that climb using spines and hooks are also seen. And the trees are not “true trees” by the botanical definition because they cannot perform secondary growth (get wider trunks as they age), so when they have trunks, they tend to be long and skinny and topped with a cluster of leaves just at the very top. Others are multi-stemmed from the ground, and still other shrub forms are trunkless.

The leaves are almost always compound, made of leaflets, often via shredding of the leaf as it emerges from its sheath. They are mostly either fan-shaped or feather-like with pairs of opposite leaflets.  

Flowers of the Arecaceae: The flowers are almost always unisexual (male or female, not both in the same flower) with male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious) or separate plants (dioecious). Individual flowers are small, usually having 6 white to greenish tepals, but they are usually arranged in sometimes enormous branched inflorescences enclosed in a leafy spathe at their base.

Reproductive Features of the Arecaceae: The male parts (stamens) appear in 3s and may occasionally have essentially too many to count, usually appearing in 2 or 3 whorls. The ovary has 3(4-10) chambers with one ovule in each, and each chamber may have its own style, or there may be no styles.

Fruits of the Arecaceae: Arecaceae fruits are nearly always a berry or a drupe (think like a cherry with a central pit, though some palms are more fibrous than fleshy) or, rarely, a nut (coconut). Seeds are always oily.

Uses of Arecaceae 

The Arecaceae family has enormous economical importance for trade and local uses throughout the tropics, including coconut products (Cocos nucifera), palm oils (Elaeis guineensis), betel nut palm (Areca catechu), peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), palm dates, ivory nuts, carnauba wax, house-building materials, rattan cane, raffia, hats and mats, etc. Many are also used ornamentally around the world, including Dypsis lutescensHowea forsteriana, Phoenix species, Sabal species, Washingtonia robustaRoystonea regia, and more.

Record-Setting Arecaceae

There are some remarkable palms, including Ceroxylon quindiuense from Colombia, which is the tallest monocot in the world at 60 m tall. Lodoicea maldivica has the largest seeds of any plant, 40–50 cm in diameter and weighing 15–30 kg each. Raffia palms (Raphia spp.) have the largest leaves of any plant up to 25 m long and 3 m wide. The Corypha species has the largest inflorescence of any plant, up to 7.5 m tall, and contains millions of small flowers. Calamus stems (woody vine palms) can reach 200 m in length.

Ecosystem and Wildlife Values of Arecaceae

Palms are considered keystone resources in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, where they provide important structure, food, and shelter in rainforests. They also offer habitat and nesting sites for countless birds, reptiles, and invertebrates and host numerous epiphytic plants as well. They are a critical food source for fruit-eating animals, providing a consistent source of food.

Morphology of Arecaceae in North America

Learn how to identiyf the Arecaceae family with these morphology photos!

Some Species of Arecaceae Found in North America

Arecoideae Subfamily

Adonidia merrillii Christmas palm showing drupes that are characteristic of the Arecaceae family

Adonida merrillii—Christmas Palm

This feather palm is known for its bright red and green berry-like drupes, which give it the common name “Christmas Palm.” This former endemic of the Phillipines is often grown in North America and may be starting to naturalize. This one was in cultivation in Mexico.

Attalea cohune palm from Mexico, a feather palm with orange-yellow drupes

Attalea cohune—Cohune Palm

This slow-growing, relatively cold-hardy palm has a single trunk with a top of loose, feather-like leaves. This species is endemic to southwestern Mexico, parts of Central America, and Colombia. This one was in cultivation in Mexico.

Coryphoideae Subfamily

Phoenix dactylifera of the Arecaceae family - the date palm that produces delicious dates

Phoenix dactylifera—Date Palm

This is where most of our delicious dates come from, the date palm. It is also widely cultivated in palm-growing regions of North America. It is a feather palm up to 30 m tall that produces very sweet drupes (dates) in large, drooping inflorescences.

Sabal minor, a close-up of a costapalmate fan leaf common in the Coryphoideae subfamily of the Arecaceae

Sabal minor—Dwarf Palmetto

This wild palm is probably one of the most northern species, ranging from northern Mexico north into Oklahoma and east to North Carolina. It has fan-like costapalmate leaves and remains mostly trunkless its entire life but can get somewhat tree-like as it ages.

Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm growing wild in Mexico

Washingtonia robusta—Mexican Fan Palm

One of the most commonly cultivated subtropical palms in the world, this palm is native to the Sonoran Desert along the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. It grows up to 25 m and has leaf stalks armed with sharp thorns and broad fan-shaped leaves. These ones were growing wild in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Arecaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Arecaceae Family

The Arecaceae family is a group of arborescent, pachycaul trees, shrubs, and woody vines that may be trunk-forming, trunkless, or prostrate. They are green and photosynthesizing; mesophytic (mostly) or xerophytic; and self-supporting (usually) or climbing via spines and hooks. They are not true trees since secondary growth via vascular cambium is impossible, explaining the nearly constant diameter of the stem, though some have anomalous secondary growth. 

Leaves are often spirally arranged at the top of an unbranched stem (monopodial) and may be solitary or clustered. They can range from small to exceptionally large, and they have alternate spiral or distichous arrangements. The leaves are leathery, petiolate, epulvinate, and sheathing, with tubular sheaths that have joined margins but often split at maturity. Leaves are almost always compound or falsely bifoliolate, pinnate, palmate, or rarely bipinnate. Leaves become compound by ontogenetically predetermined splitting of the leaves as they emerge. The lamina has no cross-venules. Leaves are often ligulate in palmate and costapalmate forms but otherwise are eligulate. Vernation is conduplicate. Stomata are mostly tetracytic.

Flowers of the Arecaceae Family

The family is almost entirely dioecious and monoecious, or sometimes polygamomonoecious, and rarely hermaphroditic. Flora nectaries may be present from the gynoecium, septal nectaries, or via the stamen bases, and pollination is often entomophilous, but anemophilous pollination is also seen.

Flowers are in complex, usually axillary panicles, sometimes terminal. Inflorescences are usually spatheate and may become woody when mature. Individual flowers are small, +/- regular, 3-merous, usually cyclic, or sometimes partially acyclic. Rarely is the perianth acyclic or the androecium acyclic. A perigone tube may be present.

The perianth has a distinct calyx and corolla of tepals; sometimes they are vestigial or rarely absent. There are usually 6 tepals, but there may be 4–9 (rarely when spiral), free or joined, 2-whorled (usually 3+3, sometimes 2+2), or rarely 1; sepaloid, petaloid, or both; usually different in the 2 whorls; and usually white or cream but may be greenish.

Androecium of the Arecaceae Family

The androecium is made of 3, 6, 9, or 10–900 stamens and may include staminodes. They are isomerous, usually diplostemonous, or may be triplostemonous to polystemonous with the perianth. Androecial members are either free from the perianth or adnate to it, and free from one another or coherent (adelphous), with the filaments often united into a tube or cup. They are 2 or 3 whorled (or acyclic). The anthers dehisce via longitudinal slits and are latrorse and tetrasporangiate.

Gynoecium of the Arecaceae Family

The gynoecium consists of a synovarious to synstylovarious, rarely apocarpous, ovary that is 3 (4–10) carpelled or, when syncarpous, 1 (rarely by abortion as in Cocos) or 3 (4–10) celled. It may be non-stylate or stylate. Styles 1 or 3 (4–10); free to fully joined, with dry-type stigmas that are papillate and Group II type. There is 1 ovule per locule with subapical or basal (or lateral) placentation; non-arillate; orthotropous, anatropous, campylotropous, or hemianatropous; bitegmic; and crassinucellate.

Fruit of the Arecaceae Family

Arecaceae fruits are nearly always an indehiscent berry or a drupe (sometimes with a fibrous mesocarp), occasionally an aggregate, or rarely a nut (Cocos nucifera). When apocarpous (rarely), it is drupaceous and indehiscent. Fruits are 1-seeded with endospermic seeds that are usually oil, usually do not contain starch, and may or may not be ruminate.

Taxonomy of Arecaceae

There are 2,457 species in 188 genera in the Arecaceae family of the Arecales order of the Commelinid clade of monocots. Additionally, there are 5 subfamilies in the family, as follows:

  1. Arecoideae are the largest subfamily, with about 1,390 species in 107 genera with a pantropical distribution but are the most diverse in South America. They are a highly diverse group with a high degree of endemism, ranging from tiny forest floor palms to giant trees and climbers. But what they do have in common is reduplicately pinnate leaves (“feather palms”), highly differentiated primary inflorescence bracts, and floral triads made of clusters of three unisexual flowers, a central female flower and 2 male flowers (exc. Chamaedoreeae, which produces a unique floral cluster known as an acervulus).
  2. Calamoideae are easy to identify since they are woody vines that climb by ± recurved spines and produce fruits covered by reflexed scales. They are a pantropical subfamily of 655 species and 21 genera but are mostly found in the South Pacific islands.
  3. Ceroxyloideae is a diverse group of 45 species in 8 genera, mostly found in central and western South America, Florida, and the Antilles but also in Madagascar and NE Australia. They are often called wax palms because their trunks are often waxy and they typically have pinnate leaves and are more cold-tolerant and found at higher elevations than most palms.
  4. Coryphoideae are a group of fan palms with 448 species in 45 genera, best known for their palmate or costapalmate leaves, and include well-known members such as Phoenix, Washingtonia, and Sabal. They are mostly shrubs and trees with a pantropical to warm-temperate distribution and are represented in the Americas, both native and introduced.
  5. Nypoideae is a monospecific subfamily, a rhizomatous plant with dichotomously branched stems, racemose inflorescences, and fruits with longitudinal ridges protruding into the seed. It is the only palm adapted to the mangrove biome, and it is found in the South Pacific Islands.

Genera of the Arecaceae Family:

Arecoideae: Acanthophoenix (3), Acrocomia (8), Actinokentia (2), Actinorhytis (1), Adonidia (1), Aiphanes (28), Allagoptera (5), Archontophoenix (6), Areca (45), Asterogyne (5), Astrocaryum (38), Attalea (72), Bactris (79), Balaka (9), Barcella (1), Basselinia (14), Beccariophoenix (2), Bentinckia (2), Brassiophoenix (2), Burretiokentia (5), Butia (20), Calyptrocalyx (26), Calyptrogyne (18), Calyptronoma (3), Carpentaria (1), Carpoxylon (1), Chamaedorea (108), Chambeyronia (2), Clinosperma (4), Clinostigma (11), Cocos (1), Cyphokentia (2), Cyphophoenix (4), Cyphosperma (4), Cyrtostachys (7), Deckenia (1), Desmoncus (11), Dictyocaryum (3), Dictyosperma (1), Dransfieldia (1), Drymophloeus (7), Dypsis (107), Elaeis (2), Euterpe (8), Gaussia (5), Geonoma (68), Hedyscepe (1), Heterospathe (38), Howea (2), Hydriastele (48), Hyophorbe (5), Hyospathe (4), Iguanura (32), Iriartea (1), Iriartella (2), Jubaea (1), Jubaeopsis (1), Kentiopsis (4), Laccospadix (1), Lemurophoenix (1), Leopoldinia (2), Lepidorrhachis (1), Linospadix (7), Loxococcus (1), Lytocaryum (4), Manicaria (2), Marojejya (2), Masoala (2), Nenga (5), Neonicholsonia (1), Neoveitchia (2), Nephrosperma (1), Normanbya (1), Oenocarpus (10), Oncosperma (6), Orania (18), Parajubaea (3), Pelagodoxa (1), Phoenicophorium (1), Pholidostachys (4), Physokentia (7), Pinanga (138), Podococcus (2), Pogonotium (3), Ponapea (3), Prestoea (10), Ptychococcus (2), Ptychosperma (29), Reinhardtia (6), Rhopaloblaste (6), Rhopalostylis (2), Roscheria (1), Roystonea (10), Satakentia (1), Sclerosperma (3), Socratea (5), Solfia (1), Sommieria (1), Syagrus (54), Synechanthus (2), Tectiphiala (1), Veitchia (8), Verschaffeltia (1), Voanioala (1), Welfia (2), Wendlandiella (1), Wettinia (22), and Wodyetia (1).

Calamoideae: Calamus (418), Eleiodoxa (1), Eremospatha (11), Eugeissona (6), Korthalsia (27), Laccosperma (6), Lepidocaryum (1), Mauritia (2), Mauritiella (4), Metroxylon (7), Myrialepis (1), Oncocalamus (5), Pigafetta (2), Plectocomia (15), Plectocomiopsis (6), Raphia (20), and Salacca (22).

Ceroxyloideae: Ammandra (1), Aphandra (1), Ceroxylon (12), Juania (1), Oraniopsis (1), Phytelephas (7), Pseudophoenix (4), and Ravenea (20).

Coryphoideae: Acoelorrhaphe (1), Arenga (25), Borassodendron (2), Borassus (5), Bismarckia (1), Brahea (11), Caryota (14), Chamaerops (1), Chelyocarpus (4), Chuniophoenix (3), Coccothrinax (53), Colpothrinax (3), Copernicia (28), Corypha (5), Cryosophila (10), Guihaia (2), Hemithrinax (3), Hyphaene (8), Itaya (1), Johannesteijsmannia (4), Kerriodoxa (1), Lanonia (8), Latania (3), Leucothrinax (1), Licuala (153), Livistona (28), Lodoicea (1), Maxburretia (3), Medemia (1), Nannorrhops (1), Phoenix (14), Pholidocarpus (6), Pritchardia (29), Rhapidophyllum (1), Rhapis (11), Sabal (~15), Sabinaria (1), Saribus (8), Satranala (1), Schippia (1), Serenoa (1), Tahina (1), Thrinax (3), Trachycarpus (9), Trithrinax (4), Wallichia (8), Washingtonia (2), and Zombia (1).

Nypoideae: Nypa (1).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Arecaceae is a unique family of monocot trees and shrubs that are easily distinguished from other families. However, Cyclanthaceae is a family of palm-like monocot shrubs that can be confused at times. However, some Cyclanthaceae are root climbers (climbing palms use recurved spines, not roots, to climb); others are shrub-like and do not develop palm leaves. They have distinctive spicate inflorescences with alternating male and female flowers unique to Cyclanthaceae, and when present, their perianth parts are in sets of 4, unlike those of palms.

Distribution of Arecaceae

The Arecaceae family is a widespread pantropical and tropical family, mostly restricted to the tropics and subtropics, although it can be found in the warm temperate regions of North America. In the Americas the family is found from the southern USA through Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Distribution of Arecaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Absent.

USA Genera Include:

Arecoideae: Butia 1 sp. intro to FL, SC, NC; Chamaedorea 1 sp. intro to FL and HI; Cocos 1 sp. intro to FL, GA, SC, NC, and HI; Dypsis 1 sp. intro to FL; Elaeis 1 sp. intro to FL; Ptychosperma 2 spp. introduced in FL; Roystonea 1 sp. native to FL. Ceroxyloideae: Pseudophoenix 1 sp. native to FL. Coryphoideae: Acoelorraphe 1 sp. native to FL; Caryota 2 spp. introduced to FL; Coccothrinax 1 sp. native to FL; Leucothrinax monospecific native to FL Keys; Livistona 2 spp. intro to FL and HI; Phoenix 3 spp. intro to CA, AZ, FL, and HI; Pritchardia 27 spp. native to HI including mostly endemics; Rhapidophyllum monospecific native to MS, AL, GA, SC, and FL; Sabal 5-6 spp. native to TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, and NC, including 1-2 endemics; Serenoa monospecific endemic to the SE USA along S Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains and sand hills in TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, and FL; Thrinax 1 sp. native to FL; Washingtonia 2 spp. are native and introduced in CA, NV, AZ, and FL.

Mexico Genera Include:

Arecoideae: Aconidia 1 sp. intro Sin and NL S to Chp, SE to QR and Yuc; Acrocomia 1 sp. native to Nay and SLP S to Chp, also Yuc; Archontophoenix 2 spp. intro to Ags, Cam, Chp, Col, Gto, NL, QR, Sin, and Yuc; Astrocaryum 1 sp. native to Chp, Oax, QR, Ver; Attalea 4 spp. native from Nay S to Chp and SE to QR and Yuc; Bactris 4 spp. native to Cam, Chp, Oax, Tab, Tam, Ver; Calyptrogyne 1 sp. native to Chp, Tab, Ver; Chamaedorea 28 spp. native, inc. 8 endemics Sin, Son, and Tam, and widespread SLP S to Chp and SE to QR and Yuc; Cocos monospecific widely introduced and cultivated in most of Mexico except BC, Chi, Coa, Dgo, Mex, and NL; Desmoncus 1 sp. native to Oax, Ver; Dypsis 1 sp. intro to Chi, Coa, Nay, and Ver S to Chp and SE to Yuc and QR; Elaeis 1 sp. intro to Chp, Ver, and Tab; Gaussia 2 spp. native to Chp, Oax, QR, Ver; Geonoma 3 spp. native to Chp and Ver; Manicaria 1 sp. native in QR?; Reinhardtia 3 spp. native to Chp, Oax, and Ver; Roystonea 2 spp native W Son and SLP S to Oax and Chp, SE to QR and Yuc; Syagrus 1 sp. intro Dgo, NL S to Oax, plus QR, Yuc; Synechanthus 1 sp. native to S Mexico. Ceroxyloideae: Pseudophoenix 1 sp. native to QR and Yuc. Coryphoideae: Acoelorraphe monotypic native SE Mexico plus Ags, Jal; Bismarckia 1 sp. intro to Chp, Nay, Sin, QR, Yuc; Brahea 11 spp. inc. 8 endemic throughout Mexico; Caryota 1 sp. intro Nay to SLP and S to Chp, SE to E QR; Coccothrinax 7 spp. native to BC, BCS, QR, Son, Yuc, including 1 endemic to QR and Yuc; Copernicia 1 sp. intro Sin; Cryosophila 2 spp. with 1 endemic Sin S to Chp and SE to QR; Licuala 1 sp. intro Gro, Jal, and Nay; Phoenix 3 spp. intro to NW Mexico; Rhapis 1 sp. intro Mor; Sabal 10 spp., inc. 4 endemics native to most of Mexico except BC, BCS, Chi, and Coa; Thrinax 1 sp. native from Nay E to SLP and all S, but mostly QR and Yuc; Trachycarpus 1 sp. intro to Chp, Jal, QR, and Sin; Washingtonia 2 spp., inc. 1 endemic to SW USA, BC, Son, and other intro in NE Mexico.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Arecoideae: Acrocomia ~ 9 spp. native to CAM,  the Caribbean, and SAM S to Argentina; Aiphanes 26 spp. endemic to CAM, SAM, and the Caribbean; Allagoptera 5 spp. endemic to SAM; Asterogyne 5 spp. native to CAM and N SAM, with 3 endemic to Venezuela; Astrocaryum ~ 40 spp. native to CAM, SAM, and Trinidad; Attalea ~67 spp. native to Mexico, the Caribbean, CAM, and tropical SAM; Bactris ~79 spp. native to Mexico, CAM, and tropical SAM; Barcella monotypic endemic to Amazonas and Roraima in NW Brazil; Butia ~ 25 spp. native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina; Calyptrogyne 18 spp. native to CAM and Colombia, including 11 endemic to Panama; Calyptronoma 3 spp. endemic genera of the Greater Antilles; Chamaedorea 100 spp. native to CAM, Colombia, N+C Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Cocos monospecific cultivated and introduced to El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, the Greater Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, and N Chile; Desmoncus 24 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador) and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Trinidad-Tobago, and the Windward Islands; Dictyocaryum 3 spp. endemic genera of Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, N Brazil, Guyana, Ecuador, and Peru; Elaeis 1 sp. native to Honduras S to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, N Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname and intro to El Salvador, Hispaniola, Trinidad-Tobago, and Windward Islands; Euterpe 8 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador) and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, NE Argentina (exc. Uruguay); Gaussia 5 spp. native to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, S Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala; Geonoma 68 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), Haiti, Lesser Antilles, and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and S Brazil; Hyospathe 4 spp. native from Costa Rica S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Iriartea monospecific native from Nicaragua S to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N+C Brazil; Iriartella 2 spp. endemic to Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and W Brazil (Acre, Amazonas, Roraima, and Pará); Jubaea monospecific endemic to C Chile; Leopoldinia 2 spp. endemic to Colombia, Venezuela, and NW Brazil; Lytocaryum 4 spp. endemic to Brazil; Manicaria 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), Trinidad-Tobago, and tropical SAM S to Peru and N Brazil; Neonicholsonia monospecific endemic to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama; Oenocarpus 10 spp. native from Costa Rica S to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Trinidad-Tobago; Parajubaea 3 spp. endemic to the N Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia; Pholidostachys 7 spp. native to NW Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Prestoea 10 spp. native to Nicaragua S to Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil, exc. French Guiana and Suriname, also in the Greater Antilles; Reinhardtia 6 spp. native from S Mexico to the N tip of Colombia and 1 endemic to the SW Dominican Republic; Roystonea 10 spp. native to Caribbean Islands, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Venezuela, and introduced to El Salvador, Panama, Guyana; Syagrus 54 former SAM endemics native to tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and NE Argentina; Socratea 5 spp. endemic to Nicaragua S to Peru, Bolivia, N+NE Brazil; Synechanthus 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador), Colombia, and Ecuador; Welfia 2 spp. native to Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Wendlandiella monospecific endemic to Peru, Bolivia, and Acre, Brazil; Wettinia 22 spp. native to Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Brazil, primarily at higher altitudes up to 2200m. Calamoideae: Calamus 1 sp. intro to Trinidad-Tobago; Lepidocaryum monospecific endemic to N SAM in Colombia, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, and N Brazil; Mauritia 2 spp. endemic to tropical SAM, S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, also in Trinidad-Tobago; Mauritiella 4 spp. native to tropical SAM, S to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, exc. French Guiana; Raphia 1 sp. native to Nicaragua S to Colombia, and N Brazil, and intro to Trinidad-Tobago. Ceroxyloideae: Ammandra monotypic endemic of Colombia and Ecuador, where it is endangered; Aphandra monotypic endemic of the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru; Ceroxylon 12 spp. endemic to the Andes in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia in montane habitats up to over 3000m; Juania monospecific endemic of Juan Fernández Islands; Phytelephas 6 spp. native to S Panama and along Andes to Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, NW Brazil, and Peru; Pseudophoenix 4 spp. of Hispaniola (3 endemics), the Greater Antilles, Windward Islands, Bahamas, and Belize. Coryphoideae: Acoelorraphe monotypic endemic native to CAM, the Caribbean, Colombia, and the Bahamas; Brahea 3 spp. native to Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; Chelyocarpus 4 NW SAM endemics of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and N Brazil; Coccothrinax 52 spp. native throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Colombia, Belize, and Venezuela, most spp. are endemic to Cuba; Colpothrinax 3 spp. endemic to Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico Southwest, Nicaragua, and Panamá; Copernicia 28 spp. native to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba (22 endemics), Dominican Republic, Haiti, Paraguay, Venezuela, and NE Argentina and introduced into the Netherlands Antilles and Trinidad-Tobago; Cryosophila 9 spp. native to CAM (exc. El Salvador) and N. Colombia and intro to Trinidad-Tobago; Hemithrinax 3 spp. endemic to E Cuba; Itaya monospecific endemic to Brazil, Colombia, and Peru; Leucothrinax monospecific endemic to the Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, Turks-Caicos Is., and the Florida Keys; Phoenix 1 sp. intro to Bolivia, El Salvador, and parts of the Caribbean; Sabal ~10 spp. native throughout SAM, the Caribbean Islands, Colombia, and Venezuela; Schippia monospecific endemic to Belize and Guatemala; Thrinax 3 spp. endemic to the N Caribbean and most of Greater Antilles, Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua and intro to El Salvador and Trinidad-Tobago; Trithrinax 4 spp. SAM endemics of N Argentina, Bolivia, C+S Brazil, and Uruguay; Washingtonia 1 sp. intro to Bolivia and El Salvador; Zombia monospecific endemic of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles. Nypoideae: Nypa monospecific introduced to Guyana, Panamá, and Trinidad-Tobago.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Absent

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Baker, W. J., Norup, M. V., Clarkson, J. J., Couvreur, T. L., Dowe, J. L., Lewis, C. E., Pintaud, J. C., Savolainen, V., Wilmot, T., & Chase, M. W. (2011). Phylogenetic relationships among arecoid palms (Arecaceae: Arecoideae). Annals of botany108(8), 1417–1432. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcr020.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Palmweb – Palms of the World Online. https://palmweb.org/ – This site is considered the global authority on palms, with most other authoritative sites referring to it.
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to some of the families. Donate to support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information:

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/.


How to Identify the Tofieldiaceae or False Asphodel Family

Triantha glutinosa inflorescence, typical of the Tofieldiaceae family
Triantha glutinosa inflorescence, typical of the Tofieldiaceae family.
Page Last Updated May 5, 2026.

Introduction to the Tofieldiaceae Family

The Tofieldiaceae family is a very small, mostly northern family of bogs and fens, some of my favorite habitats to explore. They are considered a basal monocot, diverging early in evolution, giving them some unique features.

I have only found Triantha glutinosa in this family several times, but it has always been found in a bog or fen at medium to high elevation in the mountains of coastal British Columbia. So, of course, I immediately was drawn to them.

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Tofieldiaceae: This family is made of mostly small perennial herbs with flat, odorless leaves that lack a distinctive upper and lower surface. They are simple (not compound), appearing somewhat grass-like in appearance, or, rarely, egg-shaped, and have parallel veins.

Flowers of the Tofieldiaceae: Flowers mostly contain both male (stamens) and female (ovary, style, stigma) parts in the same flower (bisexual) and have nectaries. Inflorescences usually come from leafless stalks and are arranged in loose or contracted spikes. There is usually a conspicuous whorl of 3 bracts (calyculus) located just below the flowers, which helps identify the family. Flowers are made of 2 whorls of greenish or petal-like tepals in white, cream, purple, or brown.

Reproductive Features of the Tofieldiaceae: There are usually 2 whorls of stamens (3+3), but there may be more in Pleea. The ovary is variable but always with 3 chambers (carpels) with 1 or 3 free terminal styles, each with a stigma.

Fruits of the Tofieldiaceae: The fruits are mostly dry capsules, and the seeds usually have distinct terminal appendages.

Uses of Tofieldiaceae 

This is a small family of mostly wild, not invasive, non-cultivated plants, but Tofieldia pusilla is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant.

Ecological & Wildlife Values of Tofieldiaceae

The Tofieldiaceae family is an important component of bogs, fens, marshes, and other wet, swampy areas where they provide critical habitat and nectar for bog-dwelling insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Some are even carnivorous and trap flies in sticky sap to derive nutrients in nutrient-poor ecosystems where many plants cannot survive.

Morphology of Tofieldiaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Tofieldiaceae Family (false asphodel family) with morphology photos

Some Species of Tofieldiaceae Found in North America

Triantha glutinosa plants with flowers, looking typical of the Tofieldiaceae family

Triantha glutinosa—Sticky False Asphodel

Herbaceous perennial, 5–50 cm tall, with leaf blades up to 30 cm long. Inflorescences are 3-30-flowered and spike-like but may be interrupted or open and have bracts subtending the flower stalks. Flowers are yellowish-white with 6 tepals. It often has sticky glands below its inflorescence, which makes it a protocarnivorous plant since it uses them to trap flies to gain nutrients in nutrient-poor bogs or fens. It is native to northern North America, mostly Canada and Alaska but south to Virginia in the eastern USA. This one was in the mountains on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Tofieldiaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Tofieldiaceae Family

The Tofieldiaceae family are mostly small perennial, rarely annual, herbs that are autotrophic or rarely parasitic mycoheterotrophic but always green and photosynthesizing. Leaves are well-developed and may or may not have a basal aggregation of leaves. They are mostly rhizomatous, but may be tuberous or, rarely, from corms. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, usually spirally but sometimes distichously.

Leaves are flat and herbaceous, usually sessile but may be almost petiolate at times. They are two-ranked, isobifacial, borne edgewise to the stem, and are odorless. They are simple with entire margins, usually lanceolate, but sometimes linear or rarely ovate, always with parallel veins. Leaves are only ligulate in Pleea. The mesophyll often contains crystals.

Flowers of the Tofieldiaceae Family

Plants are almost always hermaphrodites but rarely may be dioecious or polygamomonoecious. Floral nectaries are always present with secretion from the gynoecium except in Tofieldia, which has septal nectaries. Inflorescences are +/- scapiflorous, arranged in spikes, racemes, or corymbose cymes, with inflorescence bracts. Flowers are often bracteate, with a calyculus (whorl of 3 bracts) located just below the sepals (sometimes absent in Tofieldia), which is a useful diagnostic for the family.

Flowers are almost always actinomorphic, 3-merous, and pentacyclic. Perigone tube present to absent. Hypogynous disk absent. The perianth is made of 6 free to joined tepals that may be spreading, distinct, or shortly basally connate. They are 2-whorled (3+3), isomerous, sepaloid or petaloid, similar in the two whorls, and may sometimes be spotted. The tepals may be green to white, cream, purple, or brown but are usually inconspicuous and lack spurs or obvious patterns.

Some Triantha members are carnivorous via sticky hairs in their inflorescences that trap flies.

Androecium of the Tofieldiaceae Family

There are usually 6 androecial members (9 or 12 in Pleea). They are usually diplostemonous, with all fertile stamens more or less free of the perianth and free of one another; they are normally alterniperianth. They are usually 2-whorled 3+3 but may be 2-whorled 6+3 or 6+6 in Pleea. Stamens are filantherous and sometimes flattened. Anthers are dorsifixed (hypopeltate) or basifixed; versatile; dehiscing via longitudinal slits; and introrse.

Gynoecium of the Tofieldiaceae Family

The gynoecium is 3-carpeled, semicarpous (carpels are free above, and in Isidrogalvia (now included in Harperocallis), they are free almost to their bases), synovarious (with separate styles), or syncarpous (some Tofieldia are 3-locular with one style and a capitate stigma); it is isomerous with the perianth. The ovary is superior or partly inferior. Carpels (or locules) have 5 to many ovules with marginal or axile (when syncarpous) placentation. Terminal styles 1 or 3; always free when there are 3. Stigmas 1 or 3. Ovules are funicled, non-arillate, usually anatropous, bitegmic, and crassinucellate. 

Fruit of the Tofieldiaceae Family

The fruits are always non-fleshy and are usually a dehiscent septicidal capsule or follicle but may be an aggregate. Seeds are endospermic and oily, usually winged or with terminal appendages. Testa without phytomelan (by contrast with most capsular Asparagales, also lacking phlobaphene).

Taxonomy of Tofieldiaceae

The Tofieldiaceae is a small family of just 31 species in 3–5 genera (generic delineations are still uncertain) within the Alismatales order of the basal monocot clade. Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown it to be the second diverging clade in Alismatales after the Araceae.

Prior to molecular phylogenetics, its genera had usually been assigned to Nartheciaceae, Liliaceae, or Melanthiaceae. Pleea is also sometimes included in the Melanthiaceae, but here we place it in Tofieldiaceae as per APG IV.

Genera of the Tofieldiaceae Family:

Harperocallis (11), Pleea (1), Tofieldia (13), Triantha (4)

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Melanthiaceae family is the most likely to be confused with the Tofieldiaceae, and until modern molecular phylogenetics determined it to be a separate family, it was often included in the Melanthiaceae. However, they can be distinguished by the smaller size of Tofieldiaceae, primarily subarctic bog and fen habitats, and carpels that are distinct, each with their own separate style compared to larger perennials more often in woodlands and carpels that are typically fused. Also, none of the Melianthiaceae family members possess a calyculus, unlike most members of the Tofieldiaceae family.

Distribution of Tofieldiaceae

The Tofieldiaceae family can be found from frigid arctic and subarctic zones to temperate and even tropical, but most are northern temperate, arctic, and subarctic in North America and northern Europe and Asia.

Distribution of Tofieldiaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Tofieldia  2 spp. native in all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland) but excluding NB, NS, and PE; Triantha 2 spp. native in all of Canada inc Arctic but exc PE.

USA Genera Include:

Harperocallis 1 endemic native of W FL; Pleea 1 monospecific southeast US endemic native to AL, FL, SC, and NC; Tofieldia 3-6 spp native to MT, MN, MI, SC, NC, and AK; Triantha 3 spp native to WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, ND, MN, WI, IL, IN, OH, MI, NY, CT, VT, NH, ME, WV, VA, MD, DE, NC, SC, TN, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, and FL.

Mexico Genera Include:

Absent

Neotropical Genera Include:

Harperocallis 10 spp., mostly narrow endemics, found in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Absent

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [DATE].


How to Identify the Potamogetonaceae Pondweed Family

Potamogeton natans—Broad-Leaved Pondweed showing the aquatic nature and floating and submerged leaves common in the Potamogetonaceae family.
Potamogeton natans—Broad-Leaved Pondweed showing the aquatic nature and floating and submerged leaves common in the Potamogetonaceae family.
Page Last Updated April 28, 2026.

Introduction to the Potamogetonaceae Family

The Potamogetonaceae family is a family of exclusively aquatic plants, mostly freshwater, that provide crucial ecosystem services in aquatic environments on every continent except Antarctica.

I have known about this important family since I was a child, playing with the Potamogeton that was growing in our backyard pond. Since I love lakes, swamps, and anything aquatic, I came across it often in my youth. Now, I understand and appreciate their importance so much more.

Common Botanical Description of the Potamogetonaceae Family

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Potamogetonaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Potamogetonaceae: This family is entirely aquatic herbs from creeping rhizomes that are rooted, and they have simple (not compound) leaves that may be submerged or floating and submerged and are arranged alternately or in whorls of 3 along the stems. Leaves typically appear to have leaf-like appendages (stipules) at their base.

Flowers of the Potamogetonaceae: Flowers emerge above the water on long stalks and are usually in spike-like clusters or sometimes a simple pair of flowers. Flowers are not your typical flowers with petals; instead, they have 0-4 ‘tepals,’ depending on how they are interpreted.

Reproductive Features of the Potamogetonaceae: Each flower has 4 fertile stamens and an ovary made of 4 free chambers (carpels).

Fruits of the Potamogetonaceae: Fruits are fleshy or non-fleshy aggregate fruits, meaning they are made from several flowers to produce a fruit that may appear like a drupe (think cherry with a central pit), an achene (think sunflower seed), or berry-like in Groenlandia. The fruits float, which helps in dispersal.

Uses of Potamogetonaceae 

The Potamogetonaceae family is a cosmopolitan aquatic group of plants that are critical in aquatic environments where they provide food and habitat for aquatic animals, birds, and more. They are a particularly important food source for ducks in North America. Some species are also grown in aquariums.

Morphology of Potamogetonaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Potamogetonaceae, or pondweed family, with botanical descriptions and morphology photos.

Some Species of Potamogetonaceae Found in North America

Potamogeton natans—Broad-Leaved Pondweed showing the aquatic nature and floating and submerged leaves common in the Potamogetonaceae family.

Potamogeton natans—Broad-Leaved Pondweed

This herbaceous aquatic perennial grows in freshwater and has slender to robust stems that are usually simple but can sometimes be branched. Submerged leaves are long and linear, while floating leaves are egg-shaped to elliptic with conspicuous long grass-like stipules. This species has a circumboreal distribution found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In the Americas it is found in most of Canada and the USA (excluding the southeastern states) and south to southern Mexico along the Pacific coast.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Potamogetonaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Potamogetonaceae Family

The Potamogetonaceae are a group of perennial aquatic herbs from creeping, rooted rhizomes with leafy branches but no conspicuous aggregations of leaves. Or rarely annuals in the Zannichellieae. They live mostly in fresh water (as opposed to the halophyte Ruppia, which has been suggested should be included in this family), but they can also occasionally be found in ± saline water. Stem growth may be conspicuously sympodial or not.

Leaves may be submerged or submerged and floating and may even be heterophyllous with clearly distinct submerged and floating leaves. Leaves are simple with entire margins and are linear, oblong, or ovate in shape. They are herbaceous or membranous, small to medium in size, and are usually arranged alternately distichous but occasionally may be opposite or in whorls of 3 (especially in Groenlandia). They may be pseudo-petiolate, subsessile, or sessile and are sheathing with usually tubular sheaths with free margins. Venation is one or palmately to parallel-veined, with or without cross-venules.

Leaves are often stipulate or appear so, with some debate over whether ligules are stipules with the sheaths being either free and stipule-like or fused to the leaf base for most of their length. Axillary scales are present in the form of paired intravaginal squamulae. There are no stomata, and the mesophyll has no crystals.

Flowers of the Potamogetonaceae Family

Plants are hermaphrodites with anemophilous or ornithophilous pollination, except in Zannichellieae, where they may be monoecious or rarely dioecious. Flowers are usually in emergent, scapiflorous, spatheate, spicate, or capitate inflorescences, or occasionally with flowers in pairs.

Flowers are small, regular, ebracteate, 4-merous, and tricyclic. The perigone tube is absent. Hypogynous disk absent. Perianth of 4 tepals or absent (if the perianth members are interpreted as staminal appendages); free; members rounded, shortly clawed, valvate, and 1-whorled.

Androecium of the Potamogetonaceae Family

The Potamogetonaceae have 4 androecial members adnate to the claws of the perianth if interpreted as such. They are all equal, free of one another, and 2- or 1-whorled. All members are exclusively fertile stamens, oppositiperianth (when interpreted as such), filantherous, and with sessile anthers or with only sessile anthers (depending on interpretation). Anthers dehisce via longitudinal slits, are extrorse, and may be appendaged (if the tepals are interpreted as outgrowths from the connective) or unappendaged.

Gynoecium of the Potamogetonaceae Family

The gynoecium is apocarpous, superior, and 4(3-8) carpelled. Carpels are usually isomerous with the perianth (or stamens). The carpels are non-stylate or stylate, apically stigmatic, and 1-ovuled. Placentation is marginal to basal (basal-ventral). Stigmas are the dry type, non-papillate, and Group II type. Ovules are pendulous, non-arillate, orthotropous, bitegmic, and crassinucellate.  

Fruit of the Potamogetonaceae Family

Fruits are fleshy or non-fleshy aggregates. The fruiting carpel is indehiscent, nucular, drupaceous, achene, or baccate (Groenlandia). Dispersal usually occurs by the floating of the heads of fruits. The fruits are 1-seeded; the seeds are non-endospermic and contain starch.

Taxonomy of Potamogetonaceae

The Potamogetonaceae family has about 111 species in 4(5) genera of the Alismatales order, a basal monocot. There has been a high degree of hybridization in the family, with chromosome duplication in some.

The very distinctive Zannichellia is weakly embedded in the Potamogetonaceae, but it is sister to Groenlandia, which is sister to the rest of the family, so it is included here.

Genera of the Potamogetonaceae Family:

Althenia (10), Groenlandia (1), Potamogeton (184 when inc. Stuckenia), Pseudalthenia (1 sometimes considered Zannichellia), and Zannichellia (4).  

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Potamogetonaceae are frequently confused with the aquatic family Ruppiaceae, or ditch-grass family. Ruppia is frequently mistaken for narrow-leaved species of Potamogeton because of its similar thread-like leaves and aquatic habitat. However, the Potamogetonaceae are primarily freshwater species as opposed to mostly appearing in variously saline environments with Ruppiaceae. Also, Potamogetonaceae have distinctive stipules that help identify them.

They could also be confused with other aquatic plants, but again, examination of the stipules, environments, and the fruits can separate them fairly easily. Within the Potamogetonaceae, fruits are often the most important features in separating species, so always try to examine the fruits when looking to the genus and species level.

Distribution of Potamogetonaceae

The family has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, found all over the world except in extreme deserts and extreme cold. In the Americas it is found throughout Canada, the USA, Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

Distribution of Potamogetonaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Potamogeton 45 spp. native everywhere in Canada, including the Arctic (and GreenlandL); Stuckenia (~Potamogeton) 4 spp. native everywhere in Canada, inc. the Arctic (and Greenland); Zannichellia 1 sp., is native almost everywhere in Canada, including the Arctic, but excluding NL.

USA Genera Include:

Potamogeton 53 spp. native and intro to all of the USA, inc. HI, and native to AK; Stuckenia 4 spp. native to all of the USA, inc. AK, and intro in HI; Zannichellia 1 sp. native to almost all of the USA, inc. AK, but exc. SC.

Mexico Genera Include:

Potamogeton 4-10 spp. throughout Mexico; Stuckenia 1 sp. native to BCS, Dgo, Mex, SLP, Son; Zannichellia 1 sp. in Mex.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Potamogeton 17 spp. throughout the neotropics; Stuckenia 3-4 spp in the neotropics, sub-cosmopolitan; Zannichellia 2 spp. cosmopolitan native in the neotropics.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Potamogeton 2 spp. in most of the region, inc. Falkland Islands, but exc. Tierra Del Fuego and Aysen, Chile; Zannichellia 1 sp. native in Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/


How to Identify the Aquifoliaceae or Holly Family

Ilex opaca leaves and red berry-like drupes, spiny leaves and drupes are typical of the Aquifoliaceae family
Ilex opaca leaves and red berry-like drupes, spiny leaves and drupes are typical of the Aquifoliaceae family
Page Last Updated May 5, 2026.

Introduction to the Aquifoliaceae Family

The Aquifoliaceae is a small but interesting family of mostly evergreen shrubs and trees, often with glossy, spiny leaves that are easy to recognize from holiday decorations.

Where I grew up, there were no native Ilex species, but the English holly, Ilex aquifolium, was introduced there and is rather invasive, able to grow deep in the forest canopy where its seeds are deposited by birds who eat its berry-like fruits. So my first introduction was as a pest, but since then I have found native hollies in the southeastern USA and have come to appreciate the family a lot more since. In fact, I just ordered my first batch of Yaupon tea (poorly named Ilex vomitoria) just a few days ago.

Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description to learn how to identify the Aquifoliaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Aquifoliaceae: These are a family of shrubs and trees, mostly evergreen, sometimes deciduous, and are easily recognized when they have their characteristic spiny-tipped leathery leaves, but sometimes the leaves can be dull, softer and thinner, or have smooth margins. Leaves are simple (not compound) and are arranged alternately along the stem, rarely in opposite pairs.

Flowers of the Aquifoliaceae: Flowers are male or female on separate plants (dioecious). The calyx and corolla are partially fused at the base with 4-8 lobes each, and the flowers are mostly white or cream but may be greenish-white or rarely yellow, pink, or red.

Reproductive Features of the Aquifoliaceae: There are infertile stamens (staminodes) in female flowers and infertile ovaries in male flowers. Otherwise, male flowers have stamens that alternate with the petals, and female flowers have a superior ovary that sits above the petal attachment point, with a stigma (the surface that catches pollen from other flowers) on top but rarely has a style (thread-like structure that holds the stigma).

Fruits of the Aquifoliaceae: The fruits are always fleshy red, brown, black, or green drupes (like a cherry, but smaller and less fleshy).

Uses of Aquifoliaceae 

The Aquifoliaceae family is widely used as ornamental trees and shrubs in landscaping for their usually glossy, evergreen leaves, especially those with red berry-like drupes, which are routinely used for holiday decorations. Several members are also used as a caffeine-rich tea and coffee alternative (e.g., Yaupon and Yerba Mate from North and South America, respectively). The wood is also used for carving and specialty woodworking, and the leaves are used medicinally in TCM and indigenous cultures.

Wildlife and Ecological Values of the Aquifoliaceae

The Aquifoliaceae are woody shrubs and small trees mostly with evergreen leaves that provide critical year-round structure and habitat for countless invertebrates, birds, and small mammals. The berry-like fruits are also an important food source for many birds and small animals in the winter when foods are scarce.

Morphology of Aquifoliaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Aquifoliaceae Holly family with these morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Aquifoliaceae family with these morphology photos

Some Species of Aquifoliaceae Found in North America

Invasive Ilex aqifolium English Holly young tree growing under the dense canopy of a forest in coastal BC, Canada

Ilex aquifolium—English Holly

English holly has the typical shiny green leathery leaves with spiny margins, white flowers, and red berry-like drupes and is widely used in holiday decorations and landscaping. It has become invasive, even able to invade forest canopies through bird droppings filled with its seeds, like this young plant in a forest in BC, Canada.

Ilex cornuta Chinese Holly is also introduced and invasive in North America, and bears the shiny spiny-tipped leaves common in Aquifoliaceae

Ilex cornuta—Chinese Holly

Chinese holly is an evergreen shrub reaching up to about 3 m tall with leaves that are usually 5 (or 4)-spined and 3.5 to 10 cm long and large red berry-like drupes. It is popular for landscaping because of its leaves, drupes, and tolerance of a wide range of conditions. This, however, has resulted in it becoming invasive in the United States, especially in the southeastern states where several beautiful native hollies already grow.

Ilex decidua or Possumhaw is a deciduous Aquifoliaceae with bright red drupes the birds love

Ilex decidua—Possumhaw

This species is unique because it is deciduous, shown here with its bright red, berry-like drupes without leaves in late winter. It is an erect shrub, often with many thin trunks growing in a clump. Outside of its deciduous leaves, it can also be identified by leaves with crenate margins. While the birds love the fruits, they don’t eat them until they have frozen and thawed which removes some of the bitterness. It is native to the southeastern United states and northeastern Mexico.

Ilex opaca American Holly with spiny evergreen leaves and rare yellow flowers in the Aquifoliaceae

Ilex opaca—American Holly

This medium-sized tree has light gray bark with small warty lumps and evergreen spiny-margined leaves that are often a lighter and/or duller green than other hollies; this one has the more rare yellowish flowers not often seen in the Aquifoliaceae. American holly is a US endemic native to the southeastern United States.

Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly branches with leaves

Ilex vomitoria—Yaupon Holly

Yaupon holly is an evergreen shrub growing up to about 9 m tall at most, with smooth light gray bark. It has evergreen leaves that are ovate to elliptical with crenate (rounded-toothed) margins instead of spines. It is an excellent source of caffeine and theobromine and was widely used as tea before the importation of Asian teas but is now gaining popularity again for its flavor and health benefits. It is native to southeastern North America, mostly the far southeastern United States, but also southeastern Mexico.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Aquifoliaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Aquifoliaceae Family

The Aquifoliaceae comprise a single Ilex genus made of shrubs and trees that are mostly evergreen or rarely deciduous. Leaves are always simple and almost always petiolate and alternately arranged but rarely may be opposite or sessile. They are often leathery but may be papery or membranous. The margins are often uniquely spinose and are rarely entire or serrated but may have varying margins even on the same plant at times; surfaces are mostly hairless. Stipules are often dark and may be minute, persistent, or caducous.

Flowers of the Aquifoliaceae Family

Plants are dioecious with axillary inflorescences that are in cymes with order 1, 2, or 3(-5) branching patterns with up to 1, 3, or 7(-31) flowers, with solitary on 1st-year branches and fasciculate on 2nd year.

Flowers are 4-6(-23)-merous, small, regular, hypogynous, and unisexual with abortive ovaries (M) or stamens (F), but they may occasionally be perfect and facultatively dioecious. The 4-8-lobed calyx persists in fruit, and the corolla is white, cream, or greenish-white, but rarely it can also be yellow, pink, or red with 4-8 imbricate petals that are connate for about 1/2 their length.

Male Flowers and Androecium of the Aquifoliaceae Family

Male flowers’ stamens alternate with petals and are epipetalous. Anthers are oblongovoid, introrse, and longitudinally dehiscent. The ovary is rudimentary, subglobose or pulvinate, and rostrate.

Female Flowers and Gynoecium of the Aquifoliaceae Family

Female flowers have sagittate or cordate, isomerous, epipetalous staminodes alternating with the petals and a superior, ovoid, 4-8(-10)-loculed ovary, mostly glabrous and rarely pubescent. The style is rarely developed, and it has a capitate, discoid, or columnar stigma. There are 1-2 ovules in each carpel, attached pendulously.

Fruit of the Aquifoliaceae Family

The fruit is a fleshy drupe, usually with as many stones as there are carpels, or fewer by abortion. They are usually globose or nearly so, in red, brown, black, or rarely green when mature, with 4-6 (1-23) pyrenes with a smooth, leathery, woody, stony, striated, rugose, or pitted endocarp. The seed has copious fleshy endosperm.

Taxonomy of Aquifoliaceae

The Aquifoliaceae is a small family comprising a single genus (Ilex) but with approximately 596 species in the small Aquifoliales order of the core eudicots. The Ilex genus is known to hybridize extensively, with some hybrid populations persisting and spreading.

Genera of the Aquifoliaceae:

Ilex (571).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Phyllonomaceae and Helwingiaceae are related families in the Aquifoliales order made of shrubs and small trees, but they both have epiphyllous inflorescences (fasciculate in Helwingiaceae) on the upper leaf surface (towards the tip in Phyllonomaceae). They also have minute stipules in Phyllonomaceae and small fimbriate stipules in Helwingiaceae.

The leaves are sometimes confused with Mahonia spp. of the Berberidaceae, but that genus has pinnately compound leaves that are usually duller rather than shiny, and they produce yellow flowers instead of white or greenish in Ilex as opposed to simple and alternate in Aquifoliaceae.

Distribution of Aquifoliaceae

The Aquifoliaceae family is found on all continents except Antarctica, although it would not be considered cosmopolitan. It is most widespread in South America and Southeast Asia-Malesia. In Africa, we see fewer species and more limited ranges (2 species, mostly eastern), and in Europe, we see 3 species, which are western and southern.

Distribution of Aquifoliaceae in the Americas

Ilex species have a high center of diversity in South America, and their distributions throughout the tropics and subtropics are still fairly uncertain, which is why neotropical and Mexican genera are written as broad ranges rather than approximate species numbers.

Canadian Genera Include:

Ilex 5 spp. plus 1 hybrid; 3 spp. are native in ON, QC, and the maritime provinces (exc. Labrador); 1 sp. and 1 hybrid are introduced in BC.

USA Genera Include:

Ilex ~38 spp. plus 1 hybrid are listed as both native and introduced to most of the western half of the country, plus in the Pacific coastal states and HI.

Mexico Genera Include:

Ilex 130-150 spp. are found throughout all of Mexico.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Ilex 220-300 spp. are found throughout Central America and all of northern to central South America, excluding northern Chile.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Absent from southern Chile and southern Argentina.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [Enter Date].


How to Identify the Heliotropiaceae Family

Tournefortia hartwegiana scorpioid cymes, common in the Heliotropiaceae family
Tournefortia aka Heliotropum hartwegiana scorpioid cyme, common in the Heliotropiaceae family.
Page Last Updated May 15, 2026

Introduction to the Heliotropiaceae Family

The Heliotropiaceae family is another recent split out of the broader Boraginaceae family, so when you learn to identify the Heliotropiaceae, you will quickly see their many similarities.

The first time I encountered this family was hiking up to a lighthouse in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, where I found a Tournefortia happily growing alongside the trail. I found its large scorpioid cymes rather beautiful, even though they are mostly white flowers. While mostly a tropical family, some species can be found as far north as Canada, and while you can find them in the United States, their highest concentration in North America appears to be in Mexico.

Common Botanical Description of the Heliotropiaceae Family

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Heliotropiaceae: The Heliotropiaceae include many subshrubs or herbs, but also vines, shrubs, and even small trees, often with hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are simple and alternately arranged along the stem; they may or may not have leaf stalks (petioles), and the margins are usually smooth but may be toothed or folded backwards on the edges.

Flowers of the Heliotropiaceae: The flowers are usually found in characteristic coiled inflorescences called scorpioid cymes. Flowers are mostly bisexual, containing both male (stamens) and female (ovary, stigma, style) parts within the same flower. The sepals are fused at the base into a short tube with 5 spreading lobes. The corolla is also fused at the base with 5 lobes that are often white but can also be yellow, blue, pink, or orange.

Reproductive Features of the Heliotropiaceae: There are typically 5 stamens in the throat of the flower tube. The Heliotropiaceae family all possess a single style on top of their ovary with a unique cone-shaped stigma that is an easy way to identify the family when visible. However, since the reproductive features are usually hidden in the floral tube, it often requires dissection or a hand lens to see.

Fruits of the Heliotropiaceae: Fruits may be dry fruits or fleshy drupes (think cherry with a hard stony pit) but are usually 4-seeded and separate into 1–4 “nutlets.”

Uses of Heliotropiaceae 

Within the Heliotropiaceae, the Heliotropium genus is often used ornamentally, especially those with violet, purple, or fragrant flowers, like Heliotropium arborescens (garden heliotrope).

The Heliotropium genus is also the one most often used in traditional medicine to treat skin problems and wounds, with some being used to lower blood pressure, treat allergies, and act as a microbicide. Certain Euploca species have also been used to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular disorders.

Morphology of Heliotropiaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Heliotropiaceae family with morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Heliotropiaceae family with morphology photos

Some Heliotropiaceae Species Found in North America

Euploca convolvulacea flowers are more like the Convolvulaceae than the Heliotropiaceae family.

Euploca convolvulacea—Phlox Heliotrope

This small annual grows up to 30 cm tall with small, fragrant white flowers that resemble the Convolvulaceae family, which is where its species name comes from. It is native mostly to the southwestern and south-central United States and south into northern Mexico. This one was in Oklahoma.

Euploca procumbens scorpioid inflorescence showing it elongating as it flowers, common in the Heliotropiaceae

Euploca procumbens—Fourspike Heliotrope

This low-growing, hairy annual grows up to 50 cm tall but is more often procumbent. It has narrow scorpioid cymes of small white flowers. It is common and widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical Americas, especially common in Mexico and northwards into the central United States.

Scorpioid inflorescence of Heliotropium angiospermum from Sinaloa, Mexico

Heliotropium angiospermum—Scorpion’s Tail

This annual or short-lived perennial herb/sub-shrub has scorpioid inflorescences, typically rugose leaves, and can grow up to about 1 m tall. It is native throughout Mexico, Central America, the Antilles, northern South America, and in the USA in Texas and Florida.

Rugose leaves and scorpioid inflorescence of Heliotropium indicum, an introduced species in North America

Heliotropium indicum—Indian Heliotrope

This erect, branched annual with hairy stems and egg-shaped leaves can grow up to 50 cm tall and has small white or purple flowers. It is native to Asia but has been widely introduced to Africa, the southeastern USA, Mexico, the Antilles, Central America, and South America.

Tournefortia aka Heliotropium hartwegiana scorpioid cymes, common in the Heliotropiaceae family

Heliotropium hartwegiana—Formerly Tournefortia hartwegiana

This wild plant is sometimes confused with the garden heliotrope. However, it is native to seasonally dry tropical or subtropical regions of Mexico and may also be found in extreme southern Arizona in the United States. It has congested scorpioid cymes with white or light flowers and rough-textured leaves.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Heliotropiaceae

Habit & Leaf Form of the Heliotropiaceae Family

The Heliotropiaceae family is a variable family in terms of form, including annual or perennial herbs, vines, subshrubs, shrubs, and small trees with a pubescent indumentum that is often strigose, sericeous, or rarely glandular.

The leaves are simple, alternately arranged, petiolate or sessile, with entire margins or rarely crenate or dentate, but often revolute or conduplicate. The lamina may be linear, elliptic, ovate to suborbicular, and the surfaces are often hispid to pubescent hairy and may be rugose or succulent.

Flowers of the Heliotropiaceae Family

The inflorescences are terminal or axillary thyrsoids, with most having distinct scorpioid cymose inflorescences, but sometimes they are absent. Flowers are bisexual (rarely unisexual), 5-merous, and possess a calyx that is mostly divided almost to the base, forming a short tube and a campanulate shape. The calyx is usually pubescent, and the aestivation is valvate.

The corolla is often white but can also appear in yellow, blue, pink, or orange. It is sympetalous with lobes that are linear to uborbicular. Aestivation is valvate (or nearly so), apert-duplicative, imbricate, or rarely quincuncial or cochlear.

Androecium of the Heliotropiaceae Family

The Heliotropiaceae have 5 stamens with filaments that are adnate to the corolla tube, with anthers usually included and not easily visible.

Gynoecium of the Heliotropiaceae Family

The gynoecium is bicarpellate, with a usually 4-locular ovary that is often deeply lobed, similar to the Boraginaceae. However, the style is terminal with a conical stigmatic head with a basal ring-shaped stigma and a sterile tip that is sometimes 2-lobed and a nectar disc present at the ovary base. The unique conical stigmatic heads are a synapomorphy for this family, which, when seen in a scorpioid inflorescence, are useful in making a positive identification

Fruit of the Heliotropiaceae Family

The fruit of the Heliotropiaceae may be fleshy drupes or dry schizocarps. Fruits are usually 4-seeded (rarely with 1–2 seeds), separating into 1–4 nutlets with 1–2 seeds each, but sometimes sterile chambers are also present.

Taxonomy of Heliotropiaceae

There are about 450 species in 4-6 genera in the Heliotropiaceae family in the Boraginales order of the core eudicots (dicots), depending on how the genera have been split or lumped. This family was historically treated as distinct from Boraginaceae until it was included as a subfamily, Heliotropioideae. It has also been included in the Ehretieae tribe within that now older definition of the Boraginaceae family. A 2016 revision, however, confirmed its status as a distinct family. For more information on the justification of this split, I strongly encourage you to check out Luebert et al. (2016) in the references below. For now, I am giving ranges of species and including Tournefortia which has mostly been placed in other genera, but until the sources can all agree, I am keeping it separate for now.

Genera of the Heliotropiaceae Family:

Euploca (66-172), Heliotropium (254-345), Ixorhea (1), Myriopus (15-25), and Tournefortia (67-106 most now included in Heliotropium, but some are in Myriopus).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Heliotropiaceae were until recently a subfamily of the Boraginaceae, which is also known for its scorpioid cymes. However, the Boraginaceae is known for having more bristly and glandular hairs, and its usually deeply lobed ovary has a single gynobasic style rather than a terminal one with a cone-shaped stigma. Also, Boraginaceae mostly produce indehiscent nutlets instead of drupes with 4 stones or dry schizocarps.

The Hydrophyllaceae were another recent split from the Boraginaceae. They have scorpioid inflorescences but are mostly blue-to-violet in color, and they have a style with 2 stigmatic branches. They also produce dry capsules rather than drupes or schizocarps.

The Ehretiaceae are mostly shrubs and trees, with a terminal style with a bifid stigma, which could be confused with woody Heliotropiaceae. However, Ehretiaceae thyrsoidal inflorescences are not typically coiled like the Heliotropiaceae, and their fruits are mostly fleshy drupes.

The Cordiaceae is another recent split, but these are also mostly trees and shrubs with characteristic 4-lobed stigmas that make them easy to distinguish.

Distribution of Heliotropiaceae

The Heliotropiaceae have a worldwide distribution, nearly cosmopolitan with the noticeable exception of northern cool temperate climates, being mostly concentrated pantropically and in the subtropics. In the Americas, the family is found from southern Canada in the prairie provinces all the way south to the Patagonia region at the southern end of South America.

Distribution of Heliotropiaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Heliotropium 1 sp. is native to AB, SK, and MB.

USA Genera Include:

Euploca ~10 spp. are recognized on POWO and WFO as being present and native in most of the southern half of the states, but USDA-NRCS still says it is a synonym of Heliotropium; Heliotropium 23 spp., both native and intro to most of the USA, inc. HI, but excluding MN, MI, and WI; Tournefortia 2 spp. native in TX and FL, but these are sometimes classified under Myriopus.

Mexico Genera Include:

Euploca ~9 spp. native to all of Mexico, including 7 endemics; Heliotropium (including former Tournefortia) ~24 spp. native to all of Mexico; Myriopus 4? Mexico and neoendemic spp. native throughout Mexico. 

Neotropical Genera Include:

Euploca at least 30 spp., mostly endemics, found throughout CAM, the Antilles, and all of SAM except for Chile; Heliotropium 50-60 spp. (inc. former Tournefortia) native throughout the Antilles, CAM, and SAM; Ixorhea monospecific endemic of NW Argentina; Myriopus 25 mostly Mexican and neoendemic spp., is native from Mexico S through CAM, the Antilles, and tropical SAM to N Argentina, excluding N Chile.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Euploca 2? spp. are native to C+S Argentina; Heliotropium 1-2 spp. are native throughout the Patagonia region.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get their definitions there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This source is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this project, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Alawfi, M. S., Alzahrani, D. A., & Albokhari, E. J. (2024). Complete Plastome Genomes of Three Medicinal Heliotropiaceae Species: Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationships. BMC plant biology24(1), 654. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05388-8.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current).
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Luebert, F., Cecchi, L., Frohlich, M. W., Gottschling, M., Guilliams, C. M., Hasenstab-Lehman, K. E., Hilger, H. H., Miller, J. S., Mittelbach, M., Nazaire, M., Nepi, M., Nocentini, D., Ober, D., Olmstead, R. G., Selvi, F., Simpson, M. G., Sutorý, K., Valdés, B., Walden, G. K., & Weigend, M. (2016). Familial Classification of the Boraginales. axon65(3), 502–522. https://plants.sdsu.edu/amsinckiinae/pdfs/Luebert_etal2016-Boraginales.pdf.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [Enter Date].


How to Identify the Hydrophyllaceae Family

Phacelia integrifolia scorpioid inflorescences with purple flowers are common among the Hydrophyllaceae family.
Phaclia integrifolia scorpioid inflorescences with purple flowers, common in the Hydrophyllaceae family
Page Last Updated May 5, 2026.

Introduction to the Hydrophyllaceae Family

When you learn to identify the Hydrophyllaceae family, you will quickly see some of their similarities with the Boraginaceae, which they were once included as a subfamily of until 2016.

Of all the small families split out of the Boraginaceae, this one looks the most like it, with its pretty blue and purple scorpioid cymes, especially my favorite genus Phacelia. I love their flowers, but I also love the stiff, often glandular hairs, divided leaves, and the interesting scents of the foliage in certain species, which some may consider unpleasant, but then again, for some reason I have always been biased; I tend to love smelly plants.

Common Botanical Description of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Hydrophyllaceae: They are always herbs that grow from taproots and are often stiff or sticky-hairy and may have a noticeable scent (pleasant or not). The leaves are found on stems and at the base, rarely one or the other, and are simple (undivided) or, more often, divided into pairs of leaflets in a compound leaf and may be arranged in opposite pairs or alternately along the stem. Leaf margins may be smooth, toothed, or lobed.

Flowers of the Hydrophyllaceae: Flowers contain both male (stamens) and female (ovary, style, stigma) parts in the same flower (bisexual). They are typically arranged in coiled clusters, and their parts are typically in 5s with 5 petals and a fused calyx with 5 lobes. The flowers are often blue to violet in color and often have scaly appendages inside their tubes.

Reproductive Features of the Hydrophyllaceae: There are 5 stamens, often attached inside the floral tube with widened or appendaged bases. The ovary is superior (sits above the attachment of the petals) with a single terminal style that is usually divided into 2 lobes.

Fruits of the Hydrophyllaceae: The fruits are dry capsules that typically split apart on two valves to release their seeds.

Uses of Hydrophyllaceae 

Several members of the Hydrophyllaceae are used ornamentally, especially in shade gardens, as well as for pollinator gardens and for use in erosion control. They also produce edible young shoots and roots that were historically used by Native Americans (e.g., Hydrophyllum species) and were also used medicinally for treating mouth sores and diarrhea.

Wildlife & Ecological Values of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

The Hydrophyllaceae family provides important nectar and pollen for native pollinators like bumblebees and long-tongued bees. They also are important early-season food sources and many aid in ecological succession by stabilizing soils and slopes.

Morphology of Hydrophyllaceae in North America

So far, I have only photographed the Phacelia genus, which is the most common and representative genus in the family, so all of these morphology photos are from that genus.

Learn how to identify the Hydrophyllaceae family with these morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Hydrophyllaceae family with these morphology photos

Some Hydrophyllaceae Species Found in North America

Phacelia bipinnatifida showy purple flower from Georgia, USA

Phacelia bipinnatifida—Purple Phacelia

The purple phacelia is a biennial herb up to 61 cm tall with showy rotate lavender-blue flowers up to 2 cm across, with appendaged stamens that often look fuzzy. It is typically found growing in cool moist woods and is native to the southeastern United States; this one was in a forest in Georgia.

Phacelia congesta or Blue curls showing scorpioid cymes common to the Hydrophyllaceae but in this case they are deeply congested

Phacelia congesta—Blue Curls

Blue curls is a leafy annual or biennial 30-90 cm tall with purple to lavender-blue deeply lobed flowers with stamens that extend beyond the lobes. Flowers occur in heavily congested scorpioid cymes, which uncurl as the flowers bloom. Leaves are deeply cut and may appear rough. It is native to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas in the United States and south into northern Mexico.

Phacelia crenulata scorpioid inflorescence of pinkish-purple flowers

Phacelia crenulata—Notch Leaf Scorpionweed

This species is an aromatic annual, up to 80 cm tall, coated with stiff, glandular hairs. Leaves are oblong with wavy edges and get smaller up the stem. Flowers are purple or blue and may have a white throat. Stamens and style extend past the flower lobes. This native species has a disjunct distribution, found in the southwestern USA and northern Mexico but also in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile in South America.

Phacelia hirsuta plant with flowers showing its hirsute hairs common in the Hydrophyllaceae family

Phacelia hirsuta—Fuzzy Phacelia

Fuzzy phacelia is a small native annual known for its dense covering of stiff but non-glandular hairs. It only grows to about 45 cm tall, may or may not be branched, and the leaves are alternately arranged and deeply lobed to pinnately compound. This cute little Phacelia is an endemic native of the south-central United States; I found this one in Arkansas.

Phacelia integrifolia flowers closeup showing exserted stamens and bifid stigmas (two long points), common features in the Hydrophyllaceae family

Phacelia integrifolia—Gypsum Phacelia

People often easily identify this native Phacelia by its glandular hairs, which most find malodorous (but not me!) and sticky to the touch. It has leafy stems with simple leaves with crenate margins that often fold to the back of the leaf. It has the usual purplish to bluish scorpioid cymes of the family. It is native to the southwestern and south-central USA and northern Mexico, but most populations appear to be concentrated around New Mexico.

Phacelia linearis with saucer-shaped pink flowers but unusual linear leaves

Phacelia linearis—Linearleaf Phacelia

This Phacelia is native to the Pacific Northwest of the USA and British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. It is easily identified by its location as well as its linear leaves, which are not common in the genus and are just visible (blurry) beneath the flower in this photo.

Phacelia popei herbaceous annual, common among the Hydrophyllaceae, this one growing in the moisture of a septic field in a desert in New Mexico.

Phacelia popei—Pope’s Phacelia

This lovely Phacelia is one of my favorites, for its intense purple (sometimes pink) flowers in the usual scorpioid cymes. It is an annual that only grows to about 40 cm tall with leaves that range from “normal” to rather wide and pinnately divided. It is a somewhat rare species, found only in New Mexico and western Texas and just south of the border into northern Mexico.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Hydrophyllaceae

Habit & Leaf Form of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

The Hydrophyllaceae are annual, biennial, or perennial herbs growing from taproots with erect to prostrate stems, usually with an indumentum that is scabrid, hispid, or glandularly hairy, and sometimes the hairs can sting (e.g., as in Phacelia) and often have noticeable scents, from pleasant to unpleasant.

Leaves are simple to bipinnately compound, basal and cauline both (rarely only one or the other), and are arranged oppositely or alternately along the stem. They can be simple, but most are usually bipinnately divided. Secondary venation is typically palmate, and there are no stipules. Lamina margins may be smooth, toothed, or lobed.

Flowers of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

Flowers are bisexual and are arranged in terminal or axillary thyrsoidal, usually helicoid or scorpioid cymes that are sometimes congested. There are generally no bracts or bracteoles.

Flowers are usually 5(4)-merous. The calyx is fused at the base or nearly to the tip, with usually 5 lobes, linear to cordate, with valvate aestivation, and is generally persistent and enlarging in fruit.

The corolla also typically has 5 lobes, is rotate to cylindric, is generally deciduous, and often has paired appendages in the tube between the filaments. The corolla is also fused into a tube with lobes, often blue or blue-violet to purple but can also be white, pink, or yellow; corolla scales are present, small, or absent, and aestivation is contorted or imbricate.

Androecium of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

There are typically 5 stamens of equal or unequal length, with filaments that are often expanded and/or lobed at the base, often with scaly appendages, and they are typically epipetalous (adnate to the corolla tube).

Gynoecium of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

The Hydrophyllaceae gynoecium usually comprises a superior ovary, 1-2 carpels, with 2 swollen placentas with axile or (stalked) parietal placentation; usually placentation is intrusive parietal. Sometimes the ovary may appear 2-5-chambered via the intrusive, swollen placenta, but it does not appear lobed or only shallowly so. A nectar disc is often present at the ovary base, but it is sometimes reduced to glands. There is 1 terminal style, usually divided about halfway with punctate, capitate, or capitate-funneliform stigmas. There are 2 to many ovules that are epi-/apo-/pleurotropous, with integuments ca. 6 (-12) cells across.

Fruit of the Hydrophyllaceae Family

The fruit is always a dry membraneous capsule; it may be septicidal or loculicidal, generally with 2 valves, 1 to many seeds. Part of the persistent calyx is adnate to the fruit. Seeds ruminate by the inpushing of the exotestal cells/endothelium; exotestal cells are thickened on inner and radial walls; endotestal cells are persistent. The endosperm is variously copious to scanty.

Taxonomy of Hydrophyllaceae

There are about 320 species in 12 (16) genera in the Hydrophyllaceae family in the Boraginales order of the core eudicots (dicots). This family has been treated as distinct from Boraginaceae and then as the Hydrophylloideae subfamily of it. However, a 2016 revision based on modern phylogenetics has confirmed its status as a distinct family, including the removal of the Namaeae as its own family, the Namaeceae. For more information, check out Luebert et al. (2016) in the references for a great explanation and justification of the split. ‌

Genera of the Hydrophyllaceae:

Draperia (1), Ellisia (1), Emmenanthe (1), Eucrypta (2), Hesperochiron (2), Howellanthus (?), Hydrophyllum (10), Nemophila (13), Phacelia (206), Pholistoma (3), Romanzoffia (5), and Tricardia (1).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Hydrophyllaceae had been included as a subfamily of Boraginaceae before, though it has recently been made a separate family again. They have very similar-looking scorpioid inflorescences in similar blue-to-violet colors. However, their fruits differ because Hydrophyllaceae always produce a dry, dehiscent capsule, while the Boraginaceae mostly produce indehiscent nutlets, and the Boraginaceae typically have a deeply 4-lobed ovary with a gynobasic style, while the Hydrophyllaceae have a mostly unlobed ovary with a terminal style with 1-2 stigmatic branches.

The Heliotropiaceae has also recently been split out of the Boraginaceae, and it too has scorpioid cymes. However, it can be distinguished from the Hydrophyllaceae by its terminal style with a unique cone-shaped stigmatic head and basal ring-shaped stigma that may be sterile at the tip (the stigma is not terminal) and fruits that are mostly fleshy drupes with 4 stones or are dry schizocarps.

The Namaeceae was, until recently, included as a tribe when the Hydrophyllaceae was the Hydrophylloideae subfamily in the Boraginaceae, but it too has now received family status. This small family is mostly shrubs or small trees (with the exception of Nama which is herbaceous), and they have only simple, cauline leaves, not basal. They also have 2 stylodia, or their style is united for 3/4 of its length with two stigmatic branches.

The Ehretiaceae and Cordiaceae are also recent splits from the Boraginaceae, but these families are both mostly shrubs and trees instead of herbs, and both mostly produce fleshy drupes for their fruits instead of dry capsules.

Distribution of Hydrophyllaceae

The Hydrophyllaceae are a family primarily located in western North America and western South America, from Arctic Alaska south through to southern Patagonia. They are especially common in drier areas of southwestern North America. While less common, they can also be found in eastern North America, but not eastern South America. The Hydrophyllaceae are not naturally found outside of the Americas but the Phacelia have been introduced to parts of Europe and Asia.

Distribution of Hydrophyllaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Ellisia monospecific NAM endemic native from BC east to ON; Hesperochiron 1 W NAM endemic sp. native to BC; Hydrophyllum 5 NAM endemics native to S Canada excluding SK and the maritime provinces; Nemophila 3 former NAM endemics native to BC and AB; Phacelia 13 spp. native to most of Canada except NU, QC, and the maritime provinces; Romanzoffia 2 W NAM endemics native to BC and AB.

USA Genera Include:

Draperia monospecific endemic of CA; Ellisia monospecific NAM endemic, and native to most of the central and eastern USA; Emmenanthe monospecific NAM endemic native CA, NV, UT, and AZ; Eucrypta 2 S NAM endemic spp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, and TX; Hesperochiron 1 W NAM endemic sp. native to the western half of the US, E to MN, CO, and AZ; Howellanthus monospecific NAM endemic native to CA (Syn. of Phacelia?); Hydrophyllum 10 NAM endemics native to all of the continental states except for ME, TX, and FL; Nemophila 11 former NAM endemics native to most of the W USA and the SE USA; Phacelia 172 spp. native to all of the USA except FL; Pholistoma 3 S NAM endemics native to OR, CA, NV, and AZ; Romanzoffia 5 NAM endemics native to WA, ID, MT, OR, and CA; Tricardia monspecific USA endemic of CA, NV, UT, and AZ.

Mexico Genera Include:

Emmenanthe monospecific NAM endemic native to NW Mexico; Eucrypta 2 S NAM endemic spp. native to NW Mexico; Hesperochiron 1 W NAM endemic sp. native to NW Mexico; Nemophila 1? sp. NAM endemics native to NW Mexico; Phacelia many, ~100?? spp. native throughout Mexico; Pholistoma 3 S NAM endemic spp. native to NW Mexico.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Phacelia ~9 spp. native to Guatemala, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Phacelia ~5-7 spp. native throughout the Patagonia region.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Luebert, F., Cecchi, L., Frohlich, M. W., Gottschling, M., Guilliams, C. M., Hasenstab-Lehman, K. E., Hilger, H. H., Miller, J. S., Mittelbach, M., Nazaire, M., Nepi, M., Nocentini, D., Ober, D., Olmstead, R. G., Selvi, F., Simpson, M. G., Sutorý, K., Valdés, B., Walden, G. K., & Weigend, M. (2016). Familial Classification of the Boraginales. axon65(3), 502–522. https://plants.sdsu.edu/amsinckiinae/pdfs/Luebert_etal2016-Boraginales.pdf.
  • ‌Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • Walden, Genevieve K., Robert W. Patterson & Richard R. Halse. (2023), Hydrophyllaceae, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, Revision 12, https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=157, accessed on April 25, 2026.
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [Enter Date].


How to Identify the Ehretiaceae Family

Tiquilia canescens Shrubby Tiquilia - Learn to identify the Ehretiaceae family
Tiquilia canescens aka Shrubby Tiquilia, a native Ehretiaceae of North America.
Page Last Updated April 26, 2026

Introduction to the Ehretiaceae Family

The Ehretiaceae are a small family that was only somewhat recently (2016) pulled out of the closely related Boraginaceae family. I only discovered this somewhat recently since so many sources still refer to it as a subfamily of the Borage Family instead. This guide explains how to identify the Ehretiaceae family and how they differ from the new, narrower definition of the Boraginaceae.

My only experience with this mostly tropical family is with Tiquilia, which is a lovely, low-growing herb that is relatively common in the dry soils of the American Southwest. It has pretty, almost succulent leaves, and I always thought it would make a nice ground cover in a xeriscape. However, this means that all of my photos are of that genus. For people living in North America, this is by far the most common member of this family that you will see, although there are other shrubby, small tree, and parasitic species, especially once you get into Mexico. I will add more as I find them!  

Common Botanical Description of the Ehretiaceae Family

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Ehretiaceae family without needing to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems of the Ehretiaceae: This family is mostly woody shrubs or trees, often with fibrous bark and whitish twigs, but perennial herbs and parasitic plants that don’t use chlorophyll are also seen. Leaves are simple (not compound) and arranged alternately along the stem on stalks, although sometimes they are reduced to tiny scales. Margins may be smooth or sometimes with rounded teeth.

Flowers of the Ehretiaceae: Flowers usually have both male (stamens) and female (ovary, stigma, and style) parts in the same flower (bisexual), but occasionally separate male and female flowers are seen on separate male and female plants (called dioecious). Flowers and sepals are usually fused at the base with 5 lobes.

Reproductive Features of the Ehretiaceae: There are typically 5 stamens that often stick out past the throat of the flower tube and are sometimes attached to the petals. The ovary is usually surrounded by a nectary disk, and it has a style on top that is typically divided into 2 branches.

Fruits of the Ehretiaceae: Fruits are mostly drupes (think of a cherry with their stony pits) with 1-2-seeded stones or 4 nutlets.

Uses of Ehretiaceae 

The Ehretiaceae, especially the Ehretia genus, are widely used for medicine (pain, fever, and dysentery), timber and furniture, and their edible drupes, especially in Asia, Africa, and parts of the Americas. They are used for treating ailments like fever, dysentery, and pain, with wood for furniture and edible fruits.

Morphology of Ehretiaceae in North America

As I currently only have the herbaceous-looking Tiquilia genus, which is not particularly representative of the family, I will add morphology photos when I acquire more photos.

Some Ehretiaceae Species Found in North America

Tiquilia canescens Shrubby Tiquilia from near Carlsbad National Park

Tiquilia canescens—Shrubby Tiquilia

The shrubby tiquilia looks a lot more like an herb, but technically you could call it a shrub or sub-shrub because it is woody at the base. It is a short, very low-growing, spreading plant with gray-green, fleshy, egg-shaped leaves that look almost succulent and are often rather congested on its branches. Its 5-lobed tubular flowers are white to pinkish. It is native to the American Southwest in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas and in Northern Mexico in Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja California.

Tiquilia greggii Plumed Crinklemat in flower, Dog Canyon, New Mexico.

Tiquilia greggii—Plumed Crinklemat

The plumed crinklemat is another herbaceous-looking low-growing shrub, generally with wider internodes, giving it a more spindly appearance. The leaves are also gray-green and somewhat succulent, but what stands out most are the feathery calyxes that appear in rounded masses with usually only 1-2 flowers blooming at a time. The feathery calyx apparently persists and assists in dispersing the seeds. This one is more rare, and in the United States it is only found in southern New Mexico and the southwestern corner of Texas, being most common throughout northern and central Mexico instead.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Ehretiaceae

Learn to identify the Ehretiaceae family based on its new narrow definition after being removed from the Boraginaceae.

Habit & Leaf Form of the Ehretiaceae Family

This family is mostly woody shrubs or trees, often with fibrous bark, oxidizing stems, and whitish twigs and rarely with thorns (Rochefortia). Perennial herbs are also seen, especially Tiquilia. The indumentum is variable from hirsute to glabrescent. Also, plants in the Pholismateae tribe are achlorphyllous root parasites with glandular hairs and leaves that are reduced to scales.

Leaves are simple, alternately arranged, petiolate, with margins that are entire to crenate, or occasionally dissected (in Cortesia), and without stipules. In achlorophyllous root parasites, the leaves are typically reduced to scales.

Flowers of the Ehretiaceae Family

Inflorescences are axillary or sometimes terminal, usually laxly cymose or thyrsoidal, sometimes congested, and occasionally in few-flowered corymbs or solitary. In parasitic plants, they are condensed and more or less capitate.

Flowers are mostly bisexual, although occasionally plants are dioecious (Lepidocordia and Rochefortia). Flowers are 5-merous, usually with radial symmetry. The often long, persistent calyx has 5 lobes, fused or may be free to the base; aestivation is quincuncial or sometimes imbricate. The corolla is sympetalous and tubular with 5 spreading lobes; it is usually rotate, campanulate, or urceolate; aestivation is imbricate, and they are white, red, or sometimes blue.

Androecium of the Ehretiaceae Family

There are 5 stamens that are often epipetalous, fused to the floral tube at least at the base, and may be puberulent at the base; anthers are generally exserted.

Gynoecium of the Ehretiaceae Family

The ovary is bicarpellate, 1-4-locular from secondary division, superior, and generally subtended by a disk-like nectary. There is a bifid terminal style with an elongated clavate to capitate stigma. Placentation is apical to axile. There is usually 1 fertile ovule per carpel, apotropous, with integument 6-12 cells across, and epidermal cells anticlinally elongated or not. Parasitic members may have 10 or more ovules.

Fruit of the Ehretiaceae Family

Fruits are drupes, often surrounded by a persistent, accrescent calyx. They often dry and separate into 2 2-seeded pyrenes, 4 1-seeded pyrenes or schizocarps, or 4 nutlets. Seeds often have copious endosperm, but some seeds have none.

Taxonomy of Ehretiaceae

There are about 155 species in 10(7) genera in the Ehretiaceae family in the Boraginales order of the core eudicots (dicots). The Ehretiaceae family has frequently been treated as a subfamily of the Boraginaceae. A 2016 revision by the Boraginales Working Group, however, confirmed its status as a distinct family, and this is what is also listed on the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, which I use as my most current authoritative source. This definition of the Ehretiaceae includes the Lennoaceae nested within it.

Genera:

Bourreria (52), Cortesia (?), Ehretia (66), Halgania (16), Keraunea (5), Lennoa (1), Lepidocordia (2), Pholisma (3), Rochefortia (9), and Tiquilia (28).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Ehretiaceae was recently split from the Boraginaceae, but the Boraginaceae can be distinguished by usually being herbs and virtually always having a gynobasic style rather than a terminal one in the Ehretiaceae.

The Cordiaceae was also recently split from the Boraginaceae, and it too is mostly woody trees and shrubs with fleshy drupes, but they have characteristic 4-lobed rather than bifid stigmas; if they do have 2 stigmatic branches, then the fruit is enclosed in an accrescent calyx.

The Heliotropiaceae has also recently been split out of the Boraginaceae family, but it’s a family of more herbs or subshrubs. However, it does have some trees that also produce drupes and could be confused. But, it can usually be distinguished by its often deeply lobed ovary and unique cone-shaped stigma.

Distribution of Ehretiaceae

The Ehretiaceae are a mostly tropical and subtropical family throughout the tropics, though noticeably absent from eastern South America. There is also a strong presence of this family in the arid American Southwest.

Distribution of Ehretiaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Absent.

USA Genera Include:

Bourreria 3 spp. native to FL; Ehretia 1sp. native in TX; Pholisma 2 S NAM endemic spp. native in CA and AZ; Tiquilia 9 spp. native in all of W half of the USA, except for MT, also in MO.

Mexico Genera Include:

Bourreria 16 spp. native to all of Mexico; Ehretia 4 spp. native to all of Mexico; Lennoa monospecific endemic to Mexico and the N neotropics; Lepidocordia 1 N neoendemic sp. native to SW and SE Mexico; Pholisma 3 S NAM endemic spp. native to northern Mexico; Rochefortia 1 sp. native to much of Mexico except NW and C; Tiquilia ~12 spp native throughout all of Mexico.  

Neotropical Genera Include:

Bourreria ~30? spp. native CAM, Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador; Ehretia ~3 spp. native in CAM, Antilles, N+E Brazil, and N Argentina; Keraunea 5 spp. endemic to eastern Brazil; Lennoa monospecific endemic of Mexico, CAM, Colombia, and Venezuela; Lepidocordia 2 N neoendemic spp. native to Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Guyana, and N Brazil; Rochefortia 9 neoendemic spp. native to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru; Tiquilia ~20 spp. native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N Chile, and NW+S Argentina, including 4? narrow endemics of the Galapagos.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Tiquilia 1? sp. native to S Argentina.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Michael G. Simpson 2021, Ehretiaceae, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, Revision 9, https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=84713, accessed on April 24, 2026.
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [Enter Date].


How to Identify the Boraginaceae Family

Anchusa officinalis inflorescence with violet blue flowers. Learn to identify the Boraginaceae family.
Anchusa officinalis inflorescence with violet blue flowers. Learn to identify the Boraginaceae family!
Page Last Updated May 15, 2026.

Introduction to the Boraginaceae Family

The Boraginaceae family has undergone major revisions over the years, including several small families and then more recently, having them removed. This description teaches how to identify the Boraginaceae based on the currently accepted, much narrower definition of the family that excludes Heliotropiaceae, Hydrophyllaceae, and others, which I will all cover separately.

What I love about this family is their often instantly blue-to-violet flowers almost always arranged in unique clusters called “scorpioid cymes.” They are truly beautiful; I even love their coarse hairs that can cause rashes in some people, but to me, it just makes them even more beautiful. But I might be biased too, since I think all flowers are beautiful in their own way.

Common Botanical Description of the Boraginaceae Family

If you’re new to plant morphology, this common botanical description is a perfect beginner’s description for learning to identify the Boraginaceae family, with no need to know any scientific jargon not explained in the description. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions, taxonomic information, and genus-level distribution data in North, Central, and South America.

Leaves and Stems of the Boraginaceae: Most members are herbaceous plants, with occasional woody shrubs, trees, or vines, often accompanied by characteristic coarse hairs that can cause skin reactions. The leaves vary in size but are always simple (not compound) and are usually arranged alternately along the stem; however, in rare cases, the lower leaves may be in opposite pairs. Leaves are usually thin to lance-shaped, and most have entire margins, but in rare cases they may be toothed. Another characteristic feature of the family is that the leaves never have small leaf-like appendages called stipules at their base, often seen in other families.

Flowers of the Boraginaceae: The flowers of this family are mostly bisexual, containing both male (stamens) and female (ovary, style, stigma) parts in the same flower. What is most characteristic of this and closely related families is the flowers in coiled clusters called “scorpioid cymes.” Boraginaceae flowers are usually regular, meaning they can be divided in half on multiple planes of symmetry, and contain usually 5 sepals that may be free or joined at the base into a tube and are often covered with hairs. They also have 5 petals that are usually blue or purple (but may be pink, yellow, or white) and often have a collection of scales in the throat.

Reproductive Features of the Boraginaceae: The stamens can vary, being free or joined, but there are always five fertile stamens (with pollen-producing anthers), and they are always attached in the throat of the flower. The ovary is deeply four-lobed, and there is a single style attached at its base.

Fruits of the Boraginaceae: The fruits are always non-fleshy nutlets or sometimes dry, dehiscent fruits called schizocarps that split apart when mature.

Uses of Boraginaceae 

Many members of the family are used ornamentally for their lovely flowers, while others are used medicinally, and still others are used as a natural source of dye.

Common cultivated family members include forget-me-not (Myosotis), Symphytum, Borago, and more. Many species have been introduced as ornamental plants or weeds, e.g., the genera Anchusa, Borago, Cynoglossum, Echium, Myosotis, and Symphytum.

Morphology of Boraginaceae in North America

Learn to identify the Boraginaceae family with morphology photos
Learn to identify the Boraginaceae family with morphology photos

Some Boraginaceae Species Found in North America

Boraginoideae Subfamily

Anchusa officinalis inflorescence with violet blue flowers characteristic of the Boraginaceae

Anchusa officinalis—Common Alkanet

This beautiful introduced wildflower has long, lance-shaped leaves that become smaller on shorter petioles further up the stem. Most of the plant is covered in fine, stiff hairs, and it produces deep violet-blue flowers with five spreading, rounded lobes. It is native primarily to the Mediterranean region, but also to most of Europe and western Asia. It is now an occasional introduced weed in North America, like this one growing wild not far from human settlements in Peachland, British Columbia, Canada.

Buglossoides arvensis leaves and flowers closeup

Buglossoides arvensis—Corn Gromwell

An annual herb up to 40 cm long with stems that branch from the base, producing terminal racemes of pale blue to white flowers with forward-facing hairs on the outside and narrowly lance-shaped leaves that typically have a central groove on the upper surface. Native throughout Eurasia and northern Africa but widely introduced in Canada and the United States, as well as southern South America. This one was found in a well-maintained park in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.

Lithospermum ruderale plant with flowers closeup showing leaves and flowers

Lithospermum ruderale—Wayside Gromwell

Unlike most members of the Boraginoideae subfamily, this perennial herb is native to North America, endemic to western North America from British Columbia east to Saskatchewan in Canada and from Washington State south to California and east to Montana south to Colorado in the United States. It also produces narrowly lance-shaped leaves with fine, coarse hairs and light yellow tubular flowers. It is common in dry soil with good drainage in sunny locations in its range. This one was in Princeton, British Columbia.

Cynoglossoideae Subfamily

Andersonglossum virdinianum plant with flowers closeup

Andersonglossum virginianum—Southern Wild Comfrey

This pretty wildflower has large comfrey-like leaves that give it one of its common names. The leaves are slightly hairy and tend to clasp the hairy stem at their base. It produces pale bluish flowers on erect, branching stems that often turn a violet color as they age. This is an uncommon endemic native of the eastern United States from Texas east to Florida and north to Vermont, where it normally grows in forested areas.

Cryptantha crassisepala scorpioid inflorescence with hairs and flowers

Cryptantha crassisepala—Thick-Sepaled Cryptanth

This very hairy annual herb only grows up to about 15 cm tall, with 2-6 cm long leaves and small white flowers with very thick and hairy sepals. However, examination of fruits is often needed for a positive ID. It is a southern North American endemic from California east to Kansas and Texas as well as throughout northern Mexico. It tends to grow in arid and semi-arid locations; this one was on a roadside in New Mexico.

Oreocarya aka Cryptantha flava inflorescences with flowers

Oreocarya aka Cryptantha flava—Yellow Cryptantha

Most sources still refer to Oreocarya as a separate genus, but authoritative sources like APG and USDA now consider it a synonym for Cryptantha, so we use both names here. This narrow endemic of Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico in the United States is known for its cheerful yellow flowers and thinner but still very hairy sepals. This one was in the Wilson Arch area, Utah.

Oreocarya fulvocanescens var. fulvocanescens plant with flowers showing floral appendages

Oreocarya aka Cryptantha fulvocanescens—Gray Cat’s Eye

Another lovely Cryptantha endemic to the American Southwest, this time in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. It has white tubular flowers with conspicuous yellow appendages in their throats and the hairy sepals we are used to seeing in the genus. This one was found growing on a dry roadside outside of Cuba, New Mexico.

Myosotis arvensis forget me nots inflorescence with flowers

Myosotis arvsenis—Field Forget-Me-Not

An annual or short-lived perennial herb with stalkless, hairy leaves and pretty inflorescences of blue flowers with white to yellow throat appendages. The flowers are in typical scorpioid cymes, but they are best visualized while the flowers are still in bud as they elongate and straighten as they bloom. This species is originally native to northern Eurasia but is now widely introduced to northern North America. This was on the side of a logging road near Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada.

Myosotis macrosperma flowers and leaves

Myosotis macrosperma—Largeseed Forget-Me-Not

An annual herb with hairy, stalkless leaves with a prominent midrib and tiny white flowers in condensed cymes with hairy sepals and green bracts. This one is a North American native found in disturbed areas throughout the southeastern United States north into southern Ontario, Canada.

Lappula occidentalis plants with flowers and fruits

Lappula occidentalis—Western Stickseed

This hairy annual has stalked basal leaves that are mostly oblong with rounded tips and narrower, stalkless stem leaves with pointed tips. They are best known for their elongated inflorescences of tiny white to pale blue flowers, followed by fruits containing four nutlets, each with a row of slender prickles. It is native throughout western North America from Alaska south to northern Mexico and east to Manitoba, Canada, and Iowa, United States, with some disjunct populations in the eastern United States.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Boraginaceae

Learn to identify the Boraginaceae family based on the newer, more narrow definition of the family.

Habit & Leaf Form of the Boraginaceae Family

Most are annual or perennial herbaceous plants from taproots with occasional woody shrubs, trees, or self-supporting (usually) vines. They are often hispid or scabrid with coarse hairs that may contain SiO₂ or CaCO₃, which can cause adverse skin reactions in sensitive individuals. They may or may not have a basal aggregation of leaves. Helophytic, mesophytic, or xerophytic.

Leaves are minute to medium-sized, usually alternate or sometimes alternate and opposite below. They are simple, flat, herbaceous, petiolate to sessile, usually non-sheathing or sometimes sheathing in basal rosettes, not gland-dotted, and epulvinate. The lamina is entire, usually narrow, linear to lanceolate. Leaves lack stipules. Lamina margins are mostly entire, rarely crenate or dentate. Domatia may be present.

Flowers of the Boraginaceae Family

Plants are usually hermaphrodites or occasionally gynodioecious (Echium), with predominantly entomophilous pollination via Hymenoptera. Flowers are usually aggregated in coiled (scorpioid) cymes that may appear doubled in some species; coiled cymes typically elongate in fruit. Rarely are flowers solitary. Inflorescences are terminal or axillary.

Flowers are bracteate or not, usually regular or irregular and somewhat zygomorphic (e.g. Echium); usually 5-merous and tetracyclic. Free hypanthium is not present. Hypogynous disk present or absent. Perianth has a distinct calyx and corolla with 10 (11–13) parts in 2 whorls; mostly isomerous or sometimes anisomerous (Plagiobothrys).

Calyx 5 (usually) or 5–8 (sometimes Plagiobothrys) in 1 whorl; they may be free or connate basally with lobes shorter to longer than the tube; the degree of gamosepaly is 0.1–0.5; often covered with trichomes. Calyx persistent; imbricate, open in bud or valvate (rarely).

Corolla 5 parts in 1 whorl, often appendiculate with a corona of scales from the throat protecting the nectar. Petals are fused into a tube with lobes shorter to longer than the tube. Corolla is imbricate or contorted; rotate, campanulate to hypocrateriform or tubular; unequal, regular, or often bilabiate in Echium. They are often blue or purple in color but may also be pink, white, or yellow.

Androecium of the Boraginaceae Family

There are 5 unbranched androecial members made of exclusively fertile stamens that are adnate midway down or in the throat of the corolla tube; all are equal or unequal, free or coherent, and 1-whorled. Stamens are not didynamous or tetradynamous; they are isomerous with the perianth, arranged opposite the sepals, with filaments, or sometimes appearing sessile, inserted or exserted. Filaments are appendiculate or not. Anthers are cohering, free, or connivent; dorsifixed to basifixed; dehiscing via longitudinal slits; introrse; tetrasporangiate; appendaged or unappendaged.

Gynoecium of the Boraginaceae Family

The gynoecium is usually 2-carpeled or 4–5 carpeled (some Trigonotis). Pistil 2- or 4-celled (usually via false septa) or 8-10-celled (via false septa in some Trigonotis). The gynoecium is syncarpous with a superior ovary that is nearly always 2 locular but often appears 4 locular via false septa. The gynoecium is median. Style 1 is always gynobasic from an often deeply 4-lobed ovary. Stigmas 1–2: when simple, they are often 2-lobed but may also be capitate or minute; nearly always dry type; papillate. Placentation is basal. The ovules are 2 per locule, usually separating into 1-ovuled portions; they are positioned horizontally to ascending, epitropous, and have a dorsal raphe.  

Fruit of the Boraginaceae Family

The fruits are primarily non-fleshy nutlets, dehiscent, indehiscent, or a schizocarp with 4 or 8–10 (sometimes Trigonotis) mericarps.

Taxonomy of Boraginaceae

There are 1,793 species in 94 genera in the Boraginaceae family in the Boraginales order of the core eudicots (dicots). This family recently underwent major revisions, including the removal of the Hydrophyllaceae, Heliotropiaceae, Cordiaceae, Ehretiaceae, and others based on modern molecular phylogenetics. As a result, many genera have changed in the family, but the genera listed immediately below are accurate as per APG IV. For more information on the justification of this split of the Boraginales, I encourage you to check out Luebert et al. (2016) in the references below.

There are 3 currently accepted subfamilies:

  1. Boraginoideae is a large subfamily concentrated in the Mediterranean region, with some also in East Asia, Africa, and South America, but it is also introduced elsewhere. They are mostly perennial herbs, some annuals, and some shrubs; their flowers typically have a single line of symmetry and basal scales, the gynobase is flat, and the nutlets have a basal attachment scar.
  2. Cynoglossoideae is the largest subfamily with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. It is a group of mostly herbs (annual to perennial) with some shrubs, leaves with obvious secondary venation, bractless flowers, a broadly pyramidal to flat gynobase, and often compressed nutlets that are ventrally attached with a large triangular scar.
  3. Echinochiloideae is a small subfamily with only 3 genera located in Mexico, south to northeastern Argentina, plus the Canary Islands, Africa, and east to western India. They are characterized by having densely hairy corolla throats and punctate stigmas (subterminal, sterile tips, bilobed or notched) with fruits that are laterally compressed nutlets.

Genera:

Boraginoideae: Aegonychon (3), Alkanna (68), Anchusa (35), Arnebia (36), Borago (5), Brunnera (3), Buglossoides (6), Cerinthe (6), Cynoglottis (2), Cystostemon (16), Echiostachys (3), Echium (68), Gastrocotyle (3), Glandora (8), Halacsya (1), Hormuzakia (3), Huynhia (2), Lithodora (3), Lithospermum (84), Lobostemon (28), Maharanga (43), Mairetis (1), Megacaryon (1), Melanortocarya (1), Moltkia (6), Moltkiopsis (1), Moritzia (3), Neatostema (1), Nonea (46), Onosma (247), Paramoltkia (1), Pentaglottis (1), Phyllocara (1), Podonosma (4), Pontechium (1), Pulmonaria (18), Stenosolenium (1), Symphytum (27), Thaumatocaryon (2), Trachystemon (1).

Cynoglossoideae: Adelinia (1), Afrotysonia (3), Amsinckia (13), Ancistrocarya (1), Andersonglossum (3), Anoplocaryum (4), Antiotrema (1), Asperugo (1), Bothriospermum (6), Brachybotrys (1), Caccinia (4), Chionocharis (1), Craniospermum (11), Cryptantha (104), Cynoglossum (83), Dasynotus (1), Decalepidanthus (9), Eremocarya (2), Eritrichium (78), Greeneocharis (2), Gyrocaryum (1), Hackelia (56), Harpagonella (2), Heterocaryum (1?), Iberodes (5), Johnstonella (17?), Lappula (81), Lasiocaryum (3), Memoremea (1), Mertensia (52), Microcaryum (1), Microparacaryum (4), Microula (34), Mimophytum (11), Myosotidium (1), Myosotis (157), Nesocaryum (1), Nihon (5), Omphalodes (11), Oncaglossum (1), Oreocarya (67? or syn. of Cryptantha), Pectocarya (13), Plagiobothrys (64), Pseudoheterocaryum (4? or syn. Suchtelenia), Pseudolappula (1), Rochelia (22), Selkirkia (4), Solenanthus (23), Suchtelenia (6), Thyrocarpus (4), Trichodesma (38), Trigonotis (70).

Echinochiloideae: Amphibologyne (1), Antiphytum (13), Echiochilon (16), Ogastemma (1).

Key Differences From Similar Families

The Hydrophyllaceae had been included as a subfamily of Boraginaceae before, though it has recently been removed and made a separate family again. They have very similar-looking scorpioid inflorescences in similar blue-to-violet colors. However, the Hydrophyllaceae always have dry capsule fruits, while the Boraginaceae have nutlets. The ovaries and seeds also differ.

The Heliotropiaceae has also recently been split out of the family, and it too has scorpioid cymes, though not all members do. However, it can be distinguished by having fewer bristly hairs that are always eglandular, leaves that are usually conduplicate, an ovary that is still often deeply lobed but has a cone-shaped stigma, and fruits that are drupes with 4 stones or are dry schizocarps.

The Ehretiaceae is another recent split. It is a small family with only 7 genera of mostly shrubs and trees as opposed to mostly herbs, and while the Boraginaceae have a gynobasic style, most of this family (excluding Tiquilia) has a terminal style with a bifid stigma.

The Cordiaceae is another recent split, but these are also mostly trees and shrubs with characteristic 4-lobed stigmas and fleshy drupes as opposed to mostly herbs with 2-lobed stigmas and producing nutlets in the Boraginaceae.

Distribution of Boraginaceae

The Boraginaceae are a cosmopolitan family found around the tropics, warm and cool temperate, and even arctic climates, although they are predominantly found in warm temperate climates, with a strong Mediterranean concentration. In the Americas, the family is found in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Distribution of Boraginaceae in the Americas

Canadian Genera Include:

Boraginoideae: Anchusa 3 spp. intro to all S provinces except NL; Borago 1 sp. intro to all S provinces but ephemeral in ON, QC, NS, and NL; Buglossoides 1 sp. intro to BC, MB, ON, QC, and NS; Cerinthe 1 sp. intro to QC?; Echium 2 spp. Intro to all of S Canada except Labrador; Lithospermum 8 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC and intro NB; Nonea 2 spp. intro to AB and QC; Pulmonaria 2 spp. intro to ON, QC, and NS; Pentaglottis 1 sp. intro to BC; Symphytum 3 spp. introduced in all of S Canada except Labrador. Cynoglossoideae: Adelinia monospecific W NAM endemic native BC; Amsinckia 6 spp. native to BC and introduced to YT, AB, and SK; Andersonglossum 1 NAM endemic sp. native to all S provinces exc. Labrador, also in YT; Asperugo monospecific intro BC, AB, SK, and MB (and Greenland); Cryptantha 11 spp. native to BC, AB, and SK; Cynoglossum 1 sp. intro to all of S Canada exc. NL and PE; Eritrichium 6 spp. native to YT and NT; Hackelia 6 spp. native to all of Canada except NU, NS, PE, and NL; Lappula 2 spp. native to YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, and introduced to ON, QC, NS, NB, PE, and NL; Mertensia 7 spp. native to all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland); Myosotis 9 spp. native to BC, AB, YT, NT, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, and NL and intro to SK and MB (and Greenland); Omphalodes 2 spp. intro in BC, ON, and QC; Oreocarya (or ~ Cryptantha) 1 NAM endemic native to BC, AB, and SK; Pectocarya 1 sp. native to BC; Plagiobothrys 5 spp. native to BC, AB, SK, and MB, and intro to YT, ON, QC, and NB.

USA Genera Include:

Boraginoideae: Anchusa 5 spp. intro much of USA exc. NV, AZ, NM, NE, KS, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, IN, WV, and VT; Borago 1 sp. intro to WA, OR, CA, UT, MT, ND, MI, IL, MN, WI, TN, OH, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME; Brunnera 1 sp. intro to MO, OH, and NY; Buglossoides 1 sp. intro to most of the USA, excluding NV, AZ, and NM; Echium 7 spp. intro to most of USA, including AK but excluding NV, AZ, ND, MS, AL, and FL; Lithospermum 17-21 spp. native and intro to all of the USA; Nonea 3 spp. intro to TN, PA, NY, and ME; Pulmonaria 1 sp. intro to NY, VT. Cynoglossoideae: Adelinia monospecific W NAM endemic native to WA, OR, and CA; Amsinckia 10 spp. native to W USA MT S to NM and all W, and intro to ND, NE, OK, TX, WI, IL, MS, OH, PA, NY, CT, MA, NH, ME, VA, NC, SC, AK, and HI; Andersonglossum  3 NAM endemic spp. native, inc. 1 endemic to OR and CA, 1 endemic to E USA from MN S to LA, plus ND, SD, OK, and TX, with a 3rd spp. native to SD, IA, WI, IL, IN, NJ, NY, NH, ME, and Canada; Asperugo monospecific intro to CA, CO, and IL; Bothriospermum 1 sp. intro HI; Cryptantha 82 spp. native in W USA from ND S to TX and all W, inc. MA, native and intro AK, most of which are endemic; Cynoglossum 9 spp. intro and native to the entire USA and intro to HI; Dasynotus monospecific narrow endemic of ID; Eritrichium 3 spp. native to AK, WA, OR, ID, WY, MT, CO, UT, and NM; Eremocarya 2 spp. S NAM endemic native OR, CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX; Greeneocharis 2 spp. native to WA, OR, CA (1 endemic), ID, NV, AZ, UT, and CO; Hackelia 29 spp. native to almost all of the USA except FL, including AK; Harpagonella 1 S NAM endemic native to CA and AZ; Johnstonella ? spp. native to CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, and TX; Lappula 4 spp. native and intro most of the USA, including AK, but excluding LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, and VA; Mertensia 18 spp. native to most of the USA, including AK, but exc. TX, OK, LA, and FL; Mimophytum 1 S NAM endemic sp. native to TX; Myosotis 11 spp. native and intro most of the USA, inc. AK, exc. ND, and intro in HI; Omphalodes 2 spp. native and intro OR and TX (USDA, POWO says otherwise); Oreocarya (or ~ Cryptantha) 32 NAM endemics native W USA from ND S to TX and all states W; Pectocarya 8 spp. native to WA, OR, ID, WY, CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, and TX; Plagiobothrys 43 spp. native to WA, OR, CA (12+ endemics), ID, MT, WY, CO, NV, UT, AZ, NM, ND, SD, NE, WI, MI, IL, AR, LA, NC, PA, MA, and ME, and intro and native to AK; Symphytum 3 spp. introduced in WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, UT, CO, NM, MI, WI, MN, MO, AR, TN, KY, GA, NC, VA, WV, IN, OH, PA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME, and AK. Echinochiloideae: Antiphytum 2 spp. native to NM and TX.

Mexico Genera Include:

Boraginoideae: Lithospermum ~43 spp. native to all of Mexico, including ~32 endemics. Cynoglossoideae: Amsinckia 3 spp. native to N Mexico; Borago 1 sp. intro to SW+C Mexico; Cryptantha 5-6 spp. native to N Mexico, including 3+ endemics; Cynoglossum 1 sp. intro to NE+SW Mexico; Eremocarya 2 S NAM endemic spp. native to NW Mexico; Hackelia 5 spp. native to all of Mexico (1 endemic); Greeneocharis 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Harpagonella 2 S NAM endemic spp. native to BC, BCS, Guadalupe Is., and Son; Johnstonella 17 spp. native to most of Mexico except Chp, Tab, Cam, Yuc, and QR, most are endemic to Mexico; Lappula 1-2 spp. native to N Mexico; Mertensia 1 sp. native to NE Mexico; Mimophytum 11 S NAM endemic spp. native to Coa, NL, Tam, Dgo, SLP, Pue, Qro, Hgo, Gto, Mex, Tlx, Ver, NE, C Mexico, Ver, including 10 endemics; Oncaglossum monospecific endemic in NE, C, and SW Mexico; Oreocarya 3-4? spp NAM endemics native throughout the N half of Mexico; Pectocarya 6 spp. native to NW Mexico, including 1-2 endemics of BC; Plagiobothrys 7+ spp. native to NW+C Mexico. Echinochiloideae: Amphibologyne monospecific endemic of NE and SW Mexico; Antiphytum ~10+ spp. native to much of Mexico exc. Chp, Cam, Tab, Yuc, QR, including several endemics.

Neotropical Genera Include:

Boraginoideae: Anchusa 1 sp. intro to Argentina; Borago 1 sp. intro to Guatemala, Honduras, Greater Antilles, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, C Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Buglossoides 1 sp. intro to Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay; Echium 1 sp. intro to C Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and S Brazil; Lithospermum ~7 spp. native to Guatemala (1) and the rest are endemic to the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Moritzia 3 neoendemic spp. native to Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and SE+S Brazil; Symphytum 1 sp. intro to Dominican Republic, Haiti, C Brazil, and NE Argentina; Thaumatocaryon  2 E SAM endemic spp. native to S+SE Brazil, Paraguay, and NE Argentina. Cynoglossoideae: Amsinckia 2-3 spp. originally endemic to W SAM in Ecuador (1 still endemic), Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina; Cryptantha ~50 spp. native and endemic to W SAM in Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, and Argentina; Cynoglossum 1 sp. intro Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic; Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, SE Brazil, Argentina, C+S Chile, and Juan Fernandez Is.; Greeneocharis 1 sp. native NW+S Argentina; Hackelia 7 spp. native to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru (1 endemic), Bolivia, and N Argentina; Iberodes 1 sp. intro to C Chile; Johnstonella ~6 spp. native to Peru, N Chile, and NW Argentina; Lappula 1-3 spp. intro to Venezuela and native N+S Argentina; Myosotis 1-2 spp. intro to Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, N Argentina, SE Brazil, Uruguay, and Trinidad-Tobago; Nesocaryum monospecific endemic of the Desventurados Islands off the coast of NC Chile; Pectocarya 6 spp. native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, N+C Chile, and Argentina; Plagiobothrys 8+ spp. native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, C+S Chile, and NW+S Argentina; Selkirkia 4 SAM endemics, inc. 1 endemic to Juan Fernandez Is., 2 endemic to C+S Chile, and 1 endemic to Colombia and Ecuador; Trichodesma 1 sp. intro to Windward Is. Echinochiloideae: Antiphytum 2-3 spp. endemic to S Brazil and Uruguay.

Patagonia Genera Include:

Boraginoideae: Anchusa 1 sp. intro to S Argentina; Borago 1 sp. intro to C Chile and S Argentina; Buglossoides 1 sp. intro to S Argentina; Echium 1 sp. intro to Patagonia region; Lithospermum 1 sp. intro S Argentina. Cynoglossoideae: Amsinckia 1-2 spp. native throughout Patagonia; Asperugo monospecific intro to Patagonia region; Cynoglossum 1 sp. intro throughout Patagonia; Greeneocharis  1 sp. native S Argentina; Lappula 1 sp. native to Patagonia region; Myosotis 1-2 spp. native to S Chile and S Argentina and intro to Falkland Is.; Pectocarya 1 sp. native to S Argentina and SC Chile; Plagiobothrys 1 sp. native to C+S Chile and S Argentina; Selkirkia 2 SAM endemics native to SC and S Chile.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Luebert, F., Cecchi, L., Frohlich, M. W., Gottschling, M., Guilliams, C. M., Hasenstab-Lehman, K. E., Hilger, H. H., Miller, J. S., Mittelbach, M., Nazaire, M., Nepi, M., Nocentini, D., Ober, D., Olmstead, R. G., Selvi, F., Simpson, M. G., Sutorý, K., Valdés, B., Walden, G. K., & Weigend, M. (2016). Familial Classification of the Boraginales. axon65(3), 502–522. https://plants.sdsu.edu/amsinckiinae/pdfs/Luebert_etal2016-Boraginales.pdf.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/. This is the authoritative source on currently accepted families, subfamilies, tribes, and genera.
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

My Current Plant Family Education Fundraiser

I am currently seeking funding to expand my website and SEO capabilities as I keep adding new families, and I am also looking to invest in a new macro lens, as I will soon be adding floral dissections to the families as they become available to me. You can donate to help support native plant education using the GoFundMe link, also at the bottom of the page.

Copyright Information

The information and the photos on this site are free to use for educational purposes, with proper attribution. For other uses, please contact me first.

You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [Enter Date].


How to Identify the Campanulaceae or Bellflower Family

Campanula alaskana the Alaskan Bellflower, showing the bell-shaped flower this family is named for
Campanula alaskana the Alaskan Bellflower, showing the bell-shaped flower this family is named for
Page Last Updated May 14, 2026.

Introduction to the Campanulaceae Family

The Campanulaceae, or Bellflower family, is part of the Asterales order (related to sunflowers) of the core dicots. It is a widespread family found on every continent except Antarctica, and it is a popular garden ornamental for its lovely flowers. The first time I found one was on a grassy bluff next to the ocean, and I automatically knew what family it was in because of the pretty blue bell-shaped flowers with the long style that the family is best known for, although other colors and flower shapes do exist in the family.

 Common Botanical Description

If you’re new to plant morphology, this guide is a perfect beginner’s description, with no need to know any scientific jargon. Below this section is additional information on uses and morphology photos to help you identify the family, followed by pictures of individual species found in North America. But for researchers or those wanting to learn a more in-depth version, refer to the Scientific Botanical Description below the images for highly detailed scientific descriptions and genus-level distribution data.

Leaves and Stems: Most members are perennial herbs, but some annuals, biennials, shrubs, or small trees exist in the family; mostly they live on land, but some are aquatic. One key identifying feature is the milky juice that is released when they are damaged.

Leaves are usually arranged alternately on the stem but are sometimes in opposite pairs or whorls. They are usually simple (not compound), linear, lance-shaped, oblong, egg-shaped, or rounded with variously toothed margins but are occasionally divided into opposite pairs of leaflets.

Flowers: Flowers are often medium to large and showing, appearing singly or in various spikes or umbrella-shaped clusters. Flowers are typically bell-shaped or star-shaped, giving them the common name of bellflowers. Most are in shades of blue, but they can also be found in white, yellow, red, pink, or purple. Flowers are often symmetrical but can be irregular or “two-lipped,” like in Lobelia.

Reproductive Features: Reproductive features are specialized to ensure successful pollination by insects. There are usually 5 stamens (male parts) that may be separate or joined in a long column surrounding the female parts (ovary, style). Most species have an inferior ovary located below where the petals attach. A single long style comes up through the center of the flower.

Fruits: The fruit is almost always a dry capsule that splits open through valves, irregular slits, or other ways to release the seeds. Very rarely is the fruit a fleshy berry (mostly in the Lobelioideae subfamily). Some seeds are equipped with wings to aid in dispersal.

Uses of the Campanulaceae Family

With plenty of showy flowers, this family is popular for garden ornamentals, especially from Lobelia, Wahlenbergia, Codonopsis, Jasione, and more than 120 species of Campanula. They are widely grown in gardens and landscapes around the world.

Morphology of Campanulaceae in North America

Learn how to identify the Campanulaceae family with morphology photos
Learn how to identify the Campanulaceae family with morphology photos

Some Campanulaceae Species of North America

Campanuloideae Subfamily

Campanula alaskana the Alaskan Bellflower, showing the bell-shaped flower the Campanulaceae family is named for

Campanula alaskana—Alaska Bellflower

Herbaceous perennial from rhizomes with weak stems with larger basal leaves and small, linear stem leaves. Flowers are large and showy, bell-shaped, nodding, and up to 3 cm long in blue-violet to lavender colors. It is often confused with Campanula rotundifolia but has broader leaves, and it is only found along the North Pacific from Washington State north to Alaska.

Campanula rotundifolia flowers showing bell-shaped flowers with a 3-lobed stigma, both common features of the Campanulaceae.

Campanula petiolata—Western Harebell

This was a recent taxon split from the much more widespread Campanula rotundifolia, with which it shares many characteristics but tends to be more upright with stronger stems. The long style with a 3-lobed tip visible in the photo is common among Campanula rotundifolia and close relatives like these. Some taxonomists do not recognize this or Campanula alaskana as separate species from Campanula rotundifolia.

Campanulastrum americanum American Bellflower inflorescence with flowers showing a single long style that is characteristic of the Campanulaceae family.

Campanulastrum americanum—American Bellflower

A tall, erect annual or biennial common in moist woods. Unlike most bellflowers, it has flat star-shaped flowers in elongated spikes, and it has alternate lance-shaped leaves compared to the often linear ones seen in Campanula species.

Triodanis biflora plant with flowers in Georgia

Triodanis biflora—Venus’s Looking Glass

This species is an annual herb of disturbed areas with alternate leaves that do not wrap around the stem. It has pinkish to purple bellflowers with widely spreading lobes that make them look like a star. Native to the southern and eastern United States, Mexico, and South America.

Triodanis perfoliata perfoliate leaves and flowers closeup

Triodanis perfoliata—Clasping Venus’s Looking Glass

This species is very similar to Triodanis biflora, with a similar native range, though perhaps a bit more widespread. It can usually be differentiated by the leaves shown here that clasp and nearly wrap all the way around the stem. However, they can hybridize, making identification difficult.

Lobelioideae Subfamily

Lobelia appendiculata two-lipped flowers closeup; though it has 5 lobes, they are clearly divided into an upper lip and a lower lip, common among the Campanulaceae

Lobelia appendiculata—Pale Lobelia

This species is an annual unbranched herb that grows up to 60 cm tall with oblong to egg-shaped leaves that clasp partway around the stem. It has pale blue to white two-lipped flowers (2 upper lobes and 3 larger lower ones) in a loose terminal spike. It is native to the south-central USA.

Lobelia cardinalis, a plant with bright red showy flowers

Lobelia cardinalis—Cardinal Flower

This herbaceous perennial grows up to 1.2 m tall and is found mostly in or near bogs, riverbanks, swamps, or wet forests. It has large, lance-shaped to oval leaves with toothed margins. Flowers are large and bright red with 5 deeply cut lobes. Plants with pink or white flowers occasionally occur. It is native to southeastern Canada through the eastern and southern USA, south to northern Colombia.

Lobelia spicata inflorescence with flowers

Lobelia spicata—Pale Spike Lobelia

This short-lived perennial is often found flowering below taller grasses in sunny or semi-shaded prairies, woodlands, and disturbed areas. They have simple, variously elongated-shaped leaves with shallow teeth and are most known for their sometimes densely flowered spikes of white or pale blue flowers, like those in the photo. Native to southern Canada and the eastern USA.

Scientific Botanical Description of the Campanulaceae Family

Habit & Leaf Form of the Campanulaceae Family

Mostly perennial herbs with some annual or biennial and a few shrubs or small pachycaul trees with heights from 8 cm to over 2 m tall (excluding trees). They are laticiferous, which is an important identifying characteristic. Variously hydrophytic to xerophytic, and when hydrophytic, they are rooted with emergent and submerged leaves. Other plants may or may not have a basal aggregation of leaves. Leaves usually alternate or sometimes are opposite or whorled.

Leaves are petiolate or subsessile, sheathing or non-sheathing, and when sheathing, they have free margins. Leaves are not gland-dotted; they lack a pulvinus and stipules and are usually simple or sometimes compoundpinnate. Lamina, when simple, may be dissected or entire. When entire, it is linear, lanceolate, oblanceolate, oblong, ovate, obovate, or orbicular. When dissected, it is pinnatifid or palmatifid. Lamina margins are crenate, serrate, or dentate.

Flowers of the Campanulaceae Family

Plants are always hermaphrodites. Pollination is entomophilous and conspicuously specialized via modifications of the style with sterile tissue covering the stigmas. Flowers are solitary or aggregated in cymes, racemes, spikes, and umbels, sometimes pseudanthial. Inflorescences are scapiflorous or not, terminal or axillary, and with or without involucral bracts. Flowers are medium to large; regular to very irregular; 5-merous; tetracyclic. Perianth has a distinct calyx and corolla of 10 or 16–20 (Michauxia) parts in 2 whorls.

Calyx 5 or 8–10 (Michauxia); 1 whorled; free or connate (depending on interpretation, with the tube nearly always being united with the ovary); basally appendaged (e.g., Campanula with adjoining pairs of sepals contributing to each appendage); spurred or not; imbricate or valvate. An epicalyx is sometimes present. Corolla 5 or 8–10 (Michauxia); 1 whorled; connate (usually) or free (Jasione); valvate; often campanulate with long tubular bells or open starry ones; bilabiate or regular; mostly blue, but also white, yellow, red, pink, or purple; spurred (e.g., Heterotoma) or not spurred.

Androecium of the Campanulaceae Family

There are 5 or 8–10 (Michauxia) androecial members made of exclusively fertile stamens that are free of the perianth or adnate low down on the corolla and free of one another or coherent, 1-whorled, and sometimes forming a column around the style. Stamens are isomerous with the perianth, opposite the sepals, and alternating with the corolla members; they are filantherous or laminar and filantherous (e.g., being laminate below the filaments in Wahlenbergia). Filaments are sometimes basally appendiculate (sometimes in Campanula). Anthers are cohering and sometimes terminating an androecial column (e.g., Centropogon, Burmeistera) or separate, dehiscing via longitudinal slits, introrse, and tetrasporangiate.

Gynoecium of the Campanulaceae Family

The gynoecium is 2, 3, 5 (8 in Ostrowskia) or 8–10 carpelled (Michauxia). The pistil is 2 or 3 celled or occasionally 5 (6–10) celled. The gynoecium is synstylovarious and with a usually inferior ovary or rarely superior. The ovary is 2, 3, or 5 (6–10) locular. Styles 1. Stigmas equal in number to carpels; wet or dry type; papillate or non-papillate; Group II or IV type. Placentation axile with 10–50 ovules per locule; horizontal; non-arillate; anatropous; unitegmic; tenuinucellate.  

Fruit of the Campanulaceae Family

The fruit of the Campanulaceae is almost always a non-fleshy, dehiscent septicidal, loculicidal, valvular, or irregularly splitting capsule or, rarely, a fleshy indehiscent berry. Seeds are small, endospermic, oily, and rarely starchy and are sometimes winged. 

Taxonomy of Campanulaceae

There are 2,380 species in 84 genera of the Asterales order of the core Eudicots (dicots).

The family is divided into five subfamilies, 2 of which are very widespread:

  1. Campanuloideae is a large subfamily characterized by polysymmetric flowers, stamens that sprawl at the bottom of the corolla tube after the anthers have dehisced, an inferior ovary, and long-hairy styles. These are widespread and found worldwide, with especially high diversity in the north temperate Old World.
  2. Lobelioideae is a subfamily of herbs or small trees with terminal, occasionally axillary, inflorescences and large to small resupinate flowers. Stamen filaments are connate at least apically, and anthers are connate. They are mostly tropical, especially common in the New World with a major center of diversity in the Andes and over 100 endemic species found on the Hawaiian Islands. They are not present in the Arctic and are absent from the Near East and Central Asia.
  3. Nemacladoideae is a small subfamily of tiny annuals (rarely perennial) with sub-opposite leaves, racemes without bracteoles, and small flowers that are not resupinate. Anthers are connivent; filaments are connate apically and may be free at the base. These are restricted to the southwestern USA (especially California) and northwestern Mexico.
  4. Cyphioideae is a group of perennial herbs (twining vines) and shrubs with tuberous roots. The fused corolla is split almost to the base into two groups, usually with three upper lobes and two lower lobes. Stamen filaments may be free or connate. Mostly in Southern Africa but also in East Africa and the Cape Verde Islands.
  5. Cyphocarpoideae is a small subfamily endemic to Chile and is made of annual or perennial spiny herbs with deeply lobed leaf margins and foliaceous bracts. The upper corolla lobe is sub-hooded, and the lower lobes show three ridges.

Genera of the Campanulaceae:

Campanuloideae: Adenophora (68), Asyneuma (37), Azorina (1? or syn. Campanula), Berenice (1), Campanula (452), Canarina (3), Codonopsis (49), Craterocapsa (5), Cryptocodon (1), Cyananthus (19), Cyclocodon (3), Cylindrocarpa (1), Echinocodon (1), Edraianthus (21), Favratia (1), Feeria (1), Githopsis (4), Gunillaea (2), Hanabusaya (1), Heterochaenia (4), Heterocodon (1), Himalacodon (1), Homocodon (2), Jasione (14), Kericodon (1), Legousia (6), Merciera (6), Michauxia (8), Microcodon (4), Muehlbergella (1), Musschia (3), Namacodon (1), Nesocodon (1), Ostrowskia (1), Pankycodon (1), Peracarpa (1), Petromarula (1), Physoplexis (1), Phyteuma (22), Platycodon (1), Prismatocarpus (27), Pseudocodon (8), Rhigiophyllum (1), Roella (22), Sachokiella (1? or syn. Campanula), Sergia (2), Siphocodon (2), Theilera (2), Theodorovia (1? or syn. Campanula), Trachelium (2), Treichelia (2), Triodanis (6), Wahlenbergia (263), Zeugandra (2).

Lobelioideae: Apetahia (? or syn. Sclerotheca), Brighamia (2), Burmeistera (129), Centropogon (212), Clermontia (23), Cyanea (81), Delissea (15), Dialypetalum (5), Diastatea (9), Dielsantha (1), Downingia (13), Grammatotheca (1), Heterotoma (1), Hippobroma (1), Howellia (1), Isotoma (10), Legenere (1), Lobelia (444), Lysipomia (32), Monopsis (15), Palmerella (1), Porterella (1), Ruthiella (4), Sclerotheca (10), Siphocampylus (237), Solenopsis (13), Trematolobelia (8), Unigenes (1), Wimmeranthus (1), Wimmerella (10).

Nemacladoideae: Nemacladus (26), Parishella (? syn. Nemacladus), Pseudonemacladus (1).

Cyphioideae: Cyphia (76).

Cyphocarpoideae: Cyphocarpus (4).

Key Differences From Similar Families

Campanulaceae is easy to distinguish by the combined presence of latex, simple leaves, and an inferior ovary. Sometimes plants from Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rubiaceae with long reddish or orange corolla tubes are placed in Campanulaceae, but they differ in leaves that are usually opposite and having free stamens and anthers.

Distribution of the Campanulaceae

The Campanulaceae are found from frigid zones to tropical climates with a cosmopolitan distribution excluding tropical Africa and Antarctica. Found from deserts to rainforests and the Arctic, but the majority of species are by far northern temperate species.

In the Americas, the Campanulaceae are found through Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland), and south through the USA, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Distribution of Campanulaceae in the Americas

NOTE: This data was gathered 4-5 years ago and may not reflect current genus names and status.

Canadian Campanulaceae Genera Include:

Campanuloideae: Campanula 19 spp., including 18 native in all of Canada, including the Arctic (and Greenland), and 1 sp. intro to BC; Githopsis 1 W NAM endemic sp. native to S Vancouver Island, BC; Heterocodon monospecific W NAM endemic native to BC; Jasione 1 sp. intro to BC?; Triodanis 1 sp. native to BC, ON, and QC. Lobelioideae: Downingia 2 spp. native to BC, AB, and SK; Isotoma 1 sp. intro to BC; Lobelia 2 spp. native to BC, ON, and QC, and ephemeral NB.

USA Campanulaceae Genera Include:

Campanuloideae: Asyneuma 1 sp. native to OR and CA; Campanula 34 spp., including 33 native to most of the USA and AK but excluding OK, AR, LA, MS, and 1 sp. intro to NV and NH; Clermontia 22-23 narrow endemic spp. of HI; Cyanea 80-81 spp. narrow endemic genera of HI; Githopsis 4 spp. W NAM endemic genera native MT, WA, OR, and CA (2 endemics); Heterocodon monospecific W NAM endemic native to WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, MT, WY, and CO; Jasione 1 sp. intro to WA, OR, NC, MD, PA, DE, NY, CT, NJ, RI, and MA; Legousia 1 sp. intro to CA and PA; Platycodon 1 sp. intro to NY, PA, NC, and HI; Triodanis 6 spp. native to all of the USA (5 endemics), and intro HI; Wahlenbergia 2 spp. intro to TX, LA, AR, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, and FL. Lobelioideae: Brighamia 2 spp. narrow endemic genera of HI; Delissea 15 spp. narrow endemic genera of HI; Downingia 13 spp. native to WA, ID, MT, OR, WY, CA, NV, and UT, includes 9 USA endemics, mostly in CA; Hippobroma monospecific intro to FL and HI; Howellia monospecific W USA endemic of WA, ID, MT, OR, and CA; Legenere monospecific Americas disjunct endemic of CA + Patagonia; Lobelia 43 spp. native and intro to the entire USA and HI and native in AK; Palmerella monospecific narrow endemic of S CA + N BC Mexico; Porterella monospecific endemic of OR, ID, WY, CA, UT, and AZ; Trematolobelia 8 spp. narrow endemic genera of HI. Nemacladoideae: Nemacladus 18-26 W NAM endemic spp. native to OR, ID, CA, NV, UT, AZ, and NM, including many endemic to W USA.

Mexico Campanulaceae Genera Include:

Campanuloideae: Campanula 1-2 spp. native to NE Mexico and intro to SW+SE Mexico and Ver; Githopsis 1 W NAM endemic sp. native BC and Guadalupe Is.; Heterocodon monospecific W NAM endemic native to NW Mexico; Triodanis 1 sp. native throughout Mexico except the SE. Lobelioideae: Centropogon 4+ spp. mostly neoendemic, native to most of Mexico except the NW, and includes 1 endemic species; Diastatea 8 spp. including 7 endemics native to most of Mexico (exc. NW); Downingia 1 sp. native to NW Mexico; Heterotoma monospecific neoendemic native to NE+C+SW+NE Mexico; Hippobroma monospecific intro to all of Mexico; Lobelia ~86 spp., including ~20 endemic to all of Mexico; Palmerella monospecific narrow endemic of S CA + N BC Mexico; Wimmeranthus monospecific endemic of SW Mexico. Nemacladoideae: Nemacladus 10 W NAM endemic spp. native to NW Mexico, mostly in BC, including 1 endemic to BC; Pseudonemacladus monospecific endemic to NE Mexico.

Neotropical Campanulaceae Genera Include:

Campanuloideae: Triodanis 1 sp. native to Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, S+SE Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, and intro to Jamaica and Dominican Republic; Wahlenbergia 6 spp. neoendemics of E+S Brazil (inc. 1 Brazil endemic), Colombia, French Guiana, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, C Chile, and Uruguay. Cyphocarpoideae: Cyphocarpus 3 spp. narrow endemic genera of N+C Chile. Lobelioideae: Burmeistera 129 spp. neoendemic genera of Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru; Centropogon ~211 spp. mostly neoendemic native to CAM (exc. Belize) and tropical SAM S to Peru, Bolivia, and C+SE Brazil, and the Lesser Antilles (2 endemics); Diastatea 2 spp. native to CAM (exc. Belize), Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and NW Argentina; Heterotoma monospecific Mexico and neoendemic native to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; Hippobroma longiflora monospecific originally endemic Jamaica but widely introduced elsewhere; Lobelia ~50?? spp. native to CAM, the Antilles, all of SAM except Guyana and including Galapagos; Lysipomia 32 spp. Andes endemic genera of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia; Siphocampylus 237 spp. neoendemic genera of Costa Rica, Panama, the Greater Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil (exc. N), Paraguay, N Argentina, and Uruguay.

Patagonia Campanulaceae Genera Include:

Campanuloideae: Campanula 1 sp. intro to S Argentina and Falkland Is.; Triodanis 1 sp. native to S Argentina; Wahlenbergia 1 sp. native to S Chile. Lobelioideae: Downingia 1 sp. native throughout Patagonia (also native in California); Legenere monospecific Americas disjunct endemic of California + Patagonia; Lobelia 5+ spp. native throughout Patagonia and Falkland Is. and intro to South Georgia Is.

Additional Information and References

  • Visit Lyrae’s Dictionary of Botanical Terms to learn the terminology of botanists. Note that if you hover over most of the words in the articles, you can also get definitions from them there.
  • Willis, Lyrae (Unpublished). Plant Families of North America. This is where all of the family descriptions come from. Below should be most of my references for this, along with my own personal observations throughout North America.
  • Canadensys: Acadia University, Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of British Columbia. http://data.canadensys.net/explorer (accessed 2020 – current)
  • Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. (1992+). The Families of Flowering Plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Version: 2nd May 2020. delta-intkey.com. Accessed spring through fall of 2020.
  • FNA (1993+). Flora of North America. https://floranorthamerica.org/Main_Page. Accessed 2022-current.
  • GBIF.org (2020+), GBIF Home Page. Available from: https://www.gbif.org
  • iNaturalist.org (2020+). https://www.inaturalist.org/. Accessed 2020-current.
  • Naturalista: CONABIO http://www.naturalista.mx (Accessed 2020–current).
  • Neotropikey: Milliken, W., Klitgård, B., & Baracat, A. eds. (2009+). Neotropikey: Interactive key and information resources for flowering plants of the Neotropics. www.kew.org/neotropikey.com (accessed 2020 – current).
  • Patagonia Wildflowers: Wildflower Identification Site. https://patagoniawildflowers.org/ Accessed throughout the fall of 2020.
  • POWO (2019+). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet: http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
  • Stevens, P. F. (2001+). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [more or less continuously updated since]. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
  • USDA, NRCS. 2020. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 June 2020). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC, USA; Accessed 2020-present.
  • WFO (2022): World Flora Online. Published on the Internet: http://www.worldfloraonline.org. Accessed Spring 2022 – current

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You can cite this site as follows: Willis, Lyrae (2020+). Lyrae’s Nature Blog – Plant Families of North America. https://lyraenatureblog.com/. Accessed [Enter Date].