101. DESERT MARIGOLD Sunflower Family _Baileya multiradiata_
These golden-yellow flowers, measuring about three inches across, are fairly common along the trails and roadways of Zion Canyon and in other low-elevation areas of the park. They bloom during May and June. The ray flowers become bleached and papery as they mature, thus accounting for the name Paper Daisy. This attractive composite is also known as Desert Baileya. In California this plant is cultivated for the flower trade. It has been found poisonous to sheep, although horses crop the flower heads, apparently without harmful effects.
102. WESTERN YARROW Sunflower Family _Achillea lanulosa_
Western Yarrow is very widespread and can be found in much of Western America. It is more common at elevations above 5,000 feet in these areas. It grows to be 12 to 20 inches high, and the fernlike leaves, which have a pungent odor when crushed, and the umbrella-shaped clusters of flowers are characteristics of this plant that help to identify it.
Since ancient times the plant has been highly regarded for its healing properties. Legend ascribed the discovery of this virtue to Achilles, in whose honor the plant is named.
103. HEARTLEAF ARNICA Sunflower Family _Arnica cordifolia_
A common flower in the Pine and Spruce forest of Cedar Breaks and the alpine areas of Zion and Bryce Canyon is the Heartleaf Arnica. The yellow ray flowers are few, while the disk or central flowers of the flower head are numerous. The flowers measure about three inches across and are often mistaken for sunflowers. The heart-shaped leaves help distinguish this flower from its close relatives.
Tincture of arnica is obtained from certain species of Arnica.
104. MEADOW SALSIFY Sunflower Family _Tragopogon pratensis_
This interesting plant, known also as Oyster Plant, has been naturalized from Europe and is now quite common in the West. It has a smooth, stout hollow stem about 2 feet tall, rather dark-green, smooth leaves clasping at the base, and handsome flowers from 2 to 4 inches across. The flowers open early in the morning, closing at midday, to remain closed until the next morning.
Meadow Salsify is most commonly found along the roadways or in other places where the native soil has been disturbed.