Annuals, 3-15(-35+) cm. Leaf blades 10-25(-35+) overall, lobes or leaflets 0 or 3-5, linear to filiform, 10-25(-35+) × 0.5-1.5+ mm. Heads borne ± singly. Peduncles 10-50+ mm. Involucres 9-12+ × 1-2 mm. Ray florets 0-1+; laminae ochroleucous to yellowish, ± oblong, 1.5-2.5 mm. Disc florets 5-6+; corollas 2.5-3.5 mm. Cypselae 7 mm; pappi of 2 ± subulate-aristate scales 4-5+ mm plus 2 distinct, oblong to ovate, ± erose scales 1.5-2.5 mm. 2n = 24.

Flowering Aug-Sep. Disturbed sites, moist soils in meadows, juniper woodlands, pine forests; 1500-2600 m; Ariz., N.Mex., Tex.; Mexico.

Duration: Annual

Nativity: Native

Lifeform: Forb/Herb

General: Annual with simple or profusely branched, bushy stems 3-30 cm, glabrous or nearly so.

Leaves: Opposite, 10-25 blades, parted into linear divisions, lobes 0-5, linear to filiform, 10-25 mm long by 0.5-1.5 mm wide; dotted with translucent oil glands which are obscure.

Flowers: Heads borne singly on slender peduncles 10-50 mm; involucres 9-12 mm high by 1-2 mm wide, phyllaries united nearly to the apex, rays florets 1-3, with laminae yellowish to cream colored, oblong, 1.5-2.5 mm; disc florets 5-6, corollas 2.5-3.5 mm.

Fruits: Cypselae 7 mm, with pappus of 2 subulate-aristate scales 4-5 mm with 2 distinct, oblong to ovate erose scales 1.5-2.5 mm.

Ecology: Found on disturbed sites, in moist soils of meadows and on dry open ground from 5,000-8,500 ft (1524-2591 m); flowers August-September.

Notes: Distinctive with its slender yet multiple branching annual, can be confused with Schkuhria but the glabrous herbage of this species helps to distinguish them.

Ethnobotany: Used as a remedy for colds, fevers, and for stomach troubles.

Etymology: Tagetes is named after the Etruscan god Tages, while micrantha means small flowered.

Synonyms: Tagetes fragrantissima

Editor: SBuckley, 2010