Falseroot
Puera somnium
Silentaceae (the Silence family)
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Description
A deciduous herb dying back to rootstock each winter. Heart-shaped leaves with downy undersides and serrated margins.
Tiny florets cluster in dense spherical heads atop tall stalks, colored copper orange. Blooms after long silences.
Habitat
Colonizes disturbed ground, often the first to return after fire.
Traditional Uses
Dried flowers were burned as incense during ceremonies.
Folklore
Considered unlucky by some, fortunate by others - opinions vary by region.
Similar Species
Compare with Summerhope.
Conservation
Not evaluated - may not actually exist.
Field Notes
Best observed in early morning when dew collects on the leaves.