Aldama purisimae
La purisima aldama, La Purisima Viguiera
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Aldama purisimae (La purisima aldama) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Only Aldama species in California, limited to San Diego County with extension into Baja California.
La purisima aldama is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native shrub found in San Diego County in coastal-sage scrub at elevations below 750 meters. Flowering from April to October, this plant produces bright yellow ray flowers 10 to 12 millimeters long in radiate heads clustered in flat-topped arrangements. Growing as an openly branched shrub up to 12 decimeters tall with scabrous gray stems, it has a distinctive branching structure. Its leaves are primarily opposite, with elliptic to widely obovate blades 2 to 6 centimeters long, featuring three prominent veins and strigose surfaces. The plant produces distinctive yellow disk flowers with brown anthers and develops small obovate fruits with a crown of scales and two awn-like appendages.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Aldama species in California, limited to San Diego County with extension into Baja California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal-sage scrub
Elevation: < 750 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Aldama purisimae blooms Apr-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Aldama purisimae native to California?
Yes. Aldama purisimae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aldama purisimae bloom?
Aldama purisimae blooms Apr-Oct.
What plant family does Aldama purisimae belong to?
Aldama purisimae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Aldama.
Is Aldama purisimae rare or endangered?
Aldama purisimae carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Aldama purisimae grow in?
Aldama purisimae grows in Coastal-sage scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.