Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae
Beach dandelion
Photo: parent species Agoseris apargioides · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae (Beach dandelion) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by broader leaves and yellowish hairs distinctive.
Beach dandelion is a California native perennial found in the north-central coastal regions of California, including Point Reyes to Mendocino, on coastal dunes and sand hills at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces yellow flowers with ligules 8 to 16 millimeters long that prominently extend beyond the flower heads. Growing with generally reclining or prostrate stems, it forms low-spreading clusters across sandy terrain. Its leaves are distinctively oblanceolate to spoon-shaped, densely covered in yellow-translucent hairs, with blades 15 to 30 millimeters wide and featuring toothed or lobed edges. The fruit develops with a fusiform to obconic body, presenting delicate straight ribs that are slightly reduced near the base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 7 species; broader leaves and yellowish hairs distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes, sand hills
Elevation: < 50 m
Bloom period
Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae blooms Generally Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Taraxacum: Agoseris bracts graduate gradually in size; Taraxacum has dramatically smaller outer bracts and longer one-sided pappus.; vs Hypochaeris: Agoseris has completely bractless stems; Hypochaeris often has small leafy bracts partway up the stem.; vs Microseris: Agoseris pappus bristles evenly distributed; Microseris has 5-80 white scales (not plume-like bristles).; vs Uropappus: Agoseris has plume-like bristles; Uropappus has 5 large silvery scales alternating with 5 smaller ones.; vs Leontodon: Agoseris has unbranched scapes; Leontodon often has branched stems with multiple heads.
Frequently asked questions
Is Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae native to California?
Yes. Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae bloom?
Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae blooms Generally Apr-May.
What plant family does Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae belong to?
Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Agoseris.
What habitat does Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae grow in?
Agoseris apargioides var. eastwoodiae grows in Coastal dunes, sand hills.
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.