Acourtia microcephala
Sacapellote
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Acourtia microcephala (Sacapellote) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Primarily Mexican genus reaching its northern limit in Southern California.
Sacapellote is a California native perennial found in southern coastal ranges and southwestern California on shrubby and wooded slopes, especially prominent after fires, at elevations below 1,550 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white to pink-purple flowers in compact heads 5 to 10 millimeters wide. Growing with multiple stems 60 to 160 centimeters tall emerging from a woody base, the plant is very leafy and typically branches only in its upper half. Its leaves are widely ovate to elliptic, 2.5 to 15 centimeters long, with truncate bases, acute tips, and finely toothed edges densely covered in glandular hairs. The plant is particularly notable for its ability to thrive and become prominent in areas recently affected by wildfire.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Primarily Mexican genus reaching its northern limit in Southern California
Habitat and range
Habitat: shrubby and wooded slopes, especially prominent after fires
Elevation: < 1550 m
Outside California: northwestern Baja California
Bloom period
Acourtia microcephala blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Eriogonum: Acourtia has composite flower heads; buckwheat has tiny simple flowers in clusters; vs Penstemon: Acourtia has dandelion-like composite heads; Penstemon has tubular two-lipped flowers; vs Pseudognaphalium: Acourtia has white-purple ray flowers; cudweed has tiny flowers with papery bracts; vs Pluchea: Acourtia has strap-shaped ray flowers; Pluchea has only tubular disk flowers; vs Solidago: Acourtia has white-purple flowers; goldenrod has yellow flowers
Frequently asked questions
Is Acourtia microcephala native to California?
Yes. Acourtia microcephala is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Acourtia microcephala bloom?
Acourtia microcephala blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Acourtia microcephala belong to?
Acourtia microcephala is in the Asteraceae family, genus Acourtia.
What habitat does Acourtia microcephala grow in?
Acourtia microcephala grows in shrubby and wooded slopes, especially prominent after fires.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.