Tropical false goldeneye, paria sunflower

Viguiera soliceps Barneby, Leafl. W. Bot. 10: 316. 1966

Annuals, (2–)10–30(–40+) cm (tap-rooted). Stems strigillose. Leaves opposite (proximal) or alternate (distal); blades ovate to rhombic-ovate, 15–38 × 6–20+ mm, margins ciliate to ¹/4 their lengths, hairs mostly less than 0.5 mm, faces hispid or strigose (abaxial not gland-dotted). Heads 3–15+. Peduncles 7–28 cm, lengths 2–5 times leafy portions of stems. Involucres 7–10 mm diam. Phyllaries lanceolate, 5–6 mm. Paleae oblong, ca. 5 mm, cuspidate. Ray florets 10–12; laminae ovate, 10–15 mm (glabrous). Disc florets 25+; corollas 4 mm. Cypselae black or gray-striate, 2.8–3.3 mm.

Flowering May–Jun. Gumbo clay knolls and bluffs; of conservation concern; 1400–1500 m; Utah.

Heliomeris soliceps is characterized by the relatively long, scapiform peduncles rising beyond relatively short, leafy stems, and ovate to rhombic-ovate leaf blades that are relatively broader than those of most other members of the genus. Its blooming period is also significantly earlier than those of other members of Heliomeris. It is known from southern Utah, where it forms large populations.