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Native Plant Society of Texas

Navajo Tea

Thelesperma simplicifolium

Other common name(s):

Slender Greenthread, Cota, Edwards Plateau Greenthread

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Low Mountains and Bajadas
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Caliche, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Navajo Tea is best used as a grouping in a wildflower meadow. The bright golden flowers provide nectar to butterflies and sparce foliage give the plant an airy feel. Avoid overwatering, Forms colonies by rhizomes. Native habitat: Openings in oak/juniper woodlands or desert scrub, usually on limestone; 100-1500 m. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms May-September. Has an airy form. There are relatively few leaves on stems. The lower leaves occur in 3-5 narrow segments, but those above have fewer. The flower is composed of yellow ray flowers with brown disc flowers in the center.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Thelesperma curvicarpum

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Direct sow. For germination, aim for optimal conditions: temperatures between 70°F and 85°F and consistent moisture. This will help your seeds sprout within 7 to 14 days. Timing is crucial; harvest seeds when they are fully mature, typically in late summer or early fall. o collect seeds, gently shake the plant or use a paper bag to catch any that fall. Ensure you store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant. https://greg.app/slender-greenthread-overview/#:~:text=%F0%9F%8C%B1%20Seed%20Propagation%20Methods,to%20catch%20any%20that%20fall.
Stem Cutting Once you've chosen your cuttings, prepare a rooting medium. A mix of well-draining soil or perlite works best to encourage root development. Place the cuttings in the medium, ensuring they are secure but not overly compacted. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect sunlight to promote healthy growth. Start by selecting healthy stems that are free from disease or damage. https://greg.app/slender-greenthread-overview/#:~:text=%F0%9F%8C%B1%20Seed%20Propagation%20Methods,to%20catch%20any%20that%20fall.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason