Blennosperma bakeri
Sonoma sunshine, Sonoma Sunshine
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by red stigmas vs yellow stigmas diagnostic.
Sonoma sunshine is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern Coast Ranges and southern San Francisco Bay Area in grassy swale margins and vernal pools at elevations of 20 to 40 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces bright yellow ray flowers 5 to 7 millimeters long with distinctive red stigmas. Growing with delicate stems reaching 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms small clusters in wet seasonal habitats. Its leaves are primarily basal, sometimes featuring 2 to 3 small lobes, spreading in low, compact formations. The tiny fruits are approximately 3 to 4 millimeters long with a distinctive papillate surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; red stigmas vs yellow stigmas diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassy margins of swales, vernal pools
Elevation: 20-40 m
Bloom period
Blennosperma bakeri blooms Feb-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Lasthenia: Lasthenia has simple, entire or toothed leaves, never the deeply pinnately lobed lower leaves of Blennosperma.; vs Crocidium: Crocidium has all basal leaves; Blennosperma has leaves along the stem with different shapes at different heights.; vs Grindelia: Grindelia heads are sticky-resinous with reflexed phyllary tips; Blennosperma is never sticky-resinous.; vs Calendula: Calendula has curved boat-shaped fruits; Blennosperma fruits are sticky but straight.; vs Dimorphotheca: Dimorphotheca has simple fuzzy leaves; Blennosperma lower leaves are deeply pinnately divided into finger-like lobes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blennosperma bakeri native to California?
Yes. Blennosperma bakeri is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Blennosperma bakeri bloom?
Blennosperma bakeri blooms Feb-Apr.
What plant family does Blennosperma bakeri belong to?
Blennosperma bakeri is in the Asteraceae family, genus Blennosperma.
Is Blennosperma bakeri rare or endangered?
Blennosperma bakeri carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Blennosperma bakeri grow in?
Blennosperma bakeri grows in Grassy margins of swales, vernal pools.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.